KOLKATA:
A senior Maoist leader wanted in connection with several cases has been arrested in West Bengal, in a major operation by the State Police Special Task Force.
The accused, identified in reports as Asim Mandal alias Akash, was arrested from a hideout in East Midnapore district. He had allegedly remained underground for several decades and was carrying a substantial reward for information leading to his arrest.
The arrest was made by the West Bengal STF following an operation based on intelligence inputs. Officials said the Maoist leader had been operating from the State after remaining out of the reach of security agencies for a prolonged period.
Reports said Mandal was wanted in connection with Maoist-related cases and had been associated with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). A reward of around Rs 2.2 crore had reportedly been announced for information leading to his arrest.
The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns over attempts by Maoist groups to regain a foothold in parts of West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the State government would not allow a revival of what she described as “red terror”.
Security agencies have been monitoring Maoist activities in the State, particularly in areas that had witnessed Left-wing extremism in the past. The latest arrest is expected to be followed by questioning of the accused to ascertain his recent activities, contacts and possible links with other members of the organisation.
The police are also expected to investigate whether the arrested leader had been involved in efforts to revive Maoist networks in the State and identify other persons associated with such activities.