Maoist arrested in Gadchiroli while plotting sabotage in Tadgaon forest: Police

The Maharashtra Government had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for information leading to his arrest, according to the police.

The police said the arrest was made in a case registered at the Laheri sub-police station over a January 21, 2022, incident where Maoists burnt 19 vehicles that were being used for road construction on the Dhodraj-Irapnar stretch via Pengunda. The vehicles were worth Rs 2 crore.

Four cases have been registered against Mahaka, including one each of arson and murder.

From 2016 to 2021-22, Mahaka worked as a Janmilitia member in the Maoist organisation. In 2021-22, he was recruited as a member of the Bhamragad Dalam.

From 2022, Mahaka was living in Paraynar and the surrounding forest areas, working to gather intelligence on the police for the Dalam, according to the police. He also participated in destructive activities with the Dalam whenever needed, they added.

In 2023, Mahaka was involved in a murder in Pengunda village, the police said. He is also wanted in a case probed by the National Investigation Agency.

Neelotpal, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli, announced the arrest during a press conference and appealed to the Maoists to surrender to lead a dignified life. The Gadchiroli police have arrested 109 Maoists since January 2022.

The operation was conducted by officers and personnel of the Special Operations Unit under the guidance of Sandeep Patil, Special Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations); Ankit Goyal, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gadchiroli Range; Neelotpal, Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli; M Ramesh, Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations); Satya Sai Kartik, Additional Superintendent of Police, Aheri (Pranita); Vishal Nagargoj, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operations); and Shri Ajay Kokate, In-charge Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Bhamragad.