West Singhbhum Police have achieved a substantial success in their ongoing operation against Naxal elements within the Saranda forests, arresting two prominent Naxalites. These individuals are linked to over 40 incidents, and law enforcement recovered weapons and other materials.
The arrested Naxalites are identified as Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam, a sub-zonal committee member, originally from Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and Shiva Bodra alias Shibu, an area committee member from Jojodih, Saraikela. During the arrest, a pistol, 11 live cartridges, two magazines, two walkie-talkies, detonators, and IED-making materials were recovered.
West Singhbhum SP Rakesh Ranjan stated on Sunday that this operation represents a major victory in the ongoing campaign against Naxalites, with continued efforts aimed at maintaining peace in the area.
On August 30, the police received intelligence indicating a planned operation by top leaders of the proscribed Maoist organization, including Anal alias Ramesh, Misir Besra, and Ajay Mahato, within the Saranda area. In response, a joint team comprising the Chaibasa police and the Cobra 209 Battalion was formed under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Paras Rana.
This joint team conducted a search operation in the forests of the Jaraikela police station area, resulting in the arrest of both Naxalites.
Interrogation revealed troubling details. The arrested individuals confessed that Anal alias Ramesh, a central committee member, had been sexually exploiting female members of the women’s squad. Furthermore, multiple illegal abortions were performed.
Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam faces over 30 serious criminal charges across various Jharkhand police stations, including murder, attacks on police, violations of the Arms Act, UAPA, and CLA Act. He has been actively involved in Naxal activities since 2015, participating in numerous incidents across the state.