Maharashtra Police, CRPF Nab Five Maoists In Gadchiroli; Arms Seized With Help Of Eight C-60 Commando Units

Five Maoists were arrested, according to police in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Tuesday (20 May). The individuals were taken into custody during a joint tactical counter-offensive campaign conducted with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Binagunda area of the Bhamragarh subdivision, The Indian Express reported.

According to officials, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence indicating the assembly of 50–60 Maoists near Mauja Binagunda, under the Laheri police post in the Bhamragarh subdivision, with intentions to target the police.

In response, eight C-60 Commando units and a team from the CRPF's 37th battalion were activated on 18 May, under the direction of Nilotpal, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli.

On 19 May, security forces surrounded Binagunda village and observed individuals in uniform and plain clothes carrying firearms. The police said they successfully captured five Maoists without firing and used restraint because of the civilians. Other Maoists, however, were able to get away by exploiting the thick forest cover.

Among those arrested were Ungi Mangru Hoyam, alias Sumli, 28, carrying a reward of Rs 16 lakh; Pallavi Kesa Medium, alias Bandi, 19, with an Rs 8 lakh reward; and Deve Kosa Podiyam, alias Sabita, 19, carrying a Rs 4 lakh reward.

Following their apprehension, the detainees were transported to Gadchiroli police headquarters for interrogation. The two minors involved have been taken before the Juvenile Justice Board for appropriate legal proceedings.

Nilotpal, Superintendent of Police, stated that anti-Maoist operations in the region would be intensified. He also urged Maoists to renounce violence and surrender under the government's rehabilitation policies.

This operation was conducted under the leadership and coordination of several senior officers, including Sandeep Patil, Special IG (Anti-Naxal Operations); Ankit Goyal, DIG, Gadchiroli Range; and Ajay Kumar Sharma, DIG (Operations), CRPF.

There have now been 103 Maoists arrested in Gadchiroli since January 2022 including these recent arrests.