Bhubaneswar: Intensifying its probe into gangster Tito's links, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch has arrested two associates of Bapu Parida, an aide of the gangster.

The arrested have been identified as Deepak Swain alias Chagala and Alok Mallik. Both were arrested yesterday and forwarded to court today in a case under sections 387, 506, 34 & 120B of IPC and sections 25 & 27 of Arms Act.

One Jitendra Swain had alleged that Bapu Parida and his associates committed extortion on gunpoint. On the basis of the complaint, the two were arrested.

The duo was involved in several criminal cases in Paradip area including attempt to murder, firing, theft, extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, wrongful restraint, house trespassing, assault etc.

It may be recalled here that Bapu Parida, president of Paradip Nirakar Dumper Association, was arrested on July 28 for unlawful possession of weapons and extortion.