A group of criminals chopped off more than 100 saplings of mahogany trees at Noakanda village in Polash upazila yesterday morning. Police and locals said Mia Mohammad Anwarul Morshed purchased 15 decimals of  land from Abul Kalam of Noakanda village about one year ago and planted  122 saplings of mahogany trees there.  The criminals, who are known for their activities of extortion and drug trafficking, demanded Tk200,000 from Anwarul on July 31. Anwarul refused to comply with their demand and informed the matter to officer in-charge of Polash police station. They have also filed a case against one Abul Hossain and his two sons-- Shamim and Sohan—, who led the gang.  Hearing the news of filing of case, the accused extortionists became angry and chopped off more than 100 mahogany saplings in an act of vengeance. Officer in Charge Abul Kalam Azad said the accused extortionists are listed criminals of the locality. There are five to six cases, including extortion, murder, yaba trading and hijacking, against them.