Anti-Naxal Operation in Jharkhand Yields Arrests, Weapons Confiscated

West Singhbhum police have achieved a significant breakthrough in their ongoing operation against Naxalites in the Saranda forests. Two key Naxal figures were apprehended, and authorities seized weapons and other materials. The arrested individuals are implicated in more than 40 Naxal-related criminal activities. The apprehended individuals have been identified as Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam, a sub-zonal committee member from Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and Shiva Bodra alias Shibu, an area committee member from Jojodih, Saraikela. Police recovered a pistol, 11 live cartridges, two magazines, two walkie-talkies, detonators, and materials used to make IEDs during the arrests. Rakesh Ranjan, the West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police, confirmed that the arrests were a major success for the police. The operation will continue with the aim of maintaining peace in the area. Intelligence reports on August 30 indicated that key leaders of the banned Maoist organization, including Anal alias Ramesh, Misir Besra, and Ajay Mahto, were planning a significant operation in the Saranda region. A joint team comprised of Chaibasa Police and the Cobra 209 Battalion was formed under the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Paras Rana. During the operation, the team conducted a search in the forests of Jaraikela police station, leading to the arrest of the two Naxalites. Interrogation of the apprehended Naxalites revealed that Anal alias Ramesh, a central committee member of the Maoist organization, had been involved in the sexual exploitation and forced abortions of female squad members. Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam faces over 30 serious criminal charges in Jharkhand, including murder, attacks on police, and violations of the Arms Act, UAPA, and CLA Act. He has been involved in Naxalite activities since 2015.