In a major success for security forces in Jharkhand's anti-Maoist operations, three wanted Maoists carrying a combined reward of Rs 22 lakh were arrested during a series of intelligence-based raids in Seraikela-Kharsawan district.
An AK-47 assault rifle, a pistol and other incriminating materials were recovered during the operation, police said.
The arrested Maoists have been identified as Regional Committee Member Madan Mahato alias Shankar (Rs 15 lakh reward), Special Area Committee Member Ravi Singh Sardar alias Sagar Singh Sardar (Rs 5 lakh reward), and Meena (Rs 2 lakh reward), the wife of Ravi Sardar.
According to police, the operation was launched after receiving specific intelligence that Ravi Singh Sardar, a senior Maoist leader wanted in several cases, had arrived at a residence in Udaipur village under Kandra police station limits.
Acting swiftly on the input, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation, surrounded the area and successfully apprehended him.
During sustained interrogation, Ravi Sardar allegedly revealed the hideout of two other wanted Maoists. Based on the information, a joint police and security forces team conducted a raid at a house belonging to Bungrun alias Gopi Pahadia in Kanderbera village under Chandil police station. The raid led to the arrest of Madan Mahato and Meena without any exchange of fire.
Police said Madan Mahato, son of late Bankim Mahato, is a resident of Karamsol village under Salboni police station in West Medinipur district of West Bengal.
He was serving as a Regional Committee Member in the Maoist organisation and carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh. Meena, wife of Biren Singh alias Sagar Singh and daughter of late Suku Pahadia, is a resident of Amkocha village under Balarampur police station in Purulia district, West Bengal, and carried a reward of Rs 2 lakh.
An AK-47 assault rifle and a pistol were recovered from the possession of Ravi Singh Sardar during the operation. Police are examining the seized weapons and other materials to ascertain their possible use in previous Maoist activities.
Security forces have intensified search operations in the surrounding forest areas, suspecting that other members of the Maoist squad may still be hiding nearby.
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