Did Bihar STF Capture a Woman Maoist Operative After 22 Years?

Synopsis
In a remarkable operation, the Bihar STF has arrested a woman Maoist operative, Meenakshi, who had been on the run for 22 years. Her capture is a significant step towards combating left-wing extremism in North Bihar, with implications for further arrests in ongoing investigations.
Key Takeaways
- Arrest of a long-wanted Maoist operative.
- Significant impact on anti-national activities.
- Crucial operations against left-wing extremism.
- Potential for further arrests based on interrogation.
- Collaboration between police forces leads to success.
Patna, May 15 (NationPress) In a significant achievement, the Special Task Force (STF) of Bihar Police, in collaboration with West Champaran Police, apprehended a woman Maoist operative named Meenakshi, who had been evading capture for 22 years, as confirmed by an official on Thursday.
Meenakshi was a principal suspect in the 2003 Maoist assault on the Govardhana police station and had participated in various other anti-national endeavors.
The operation unfolded during the early hours of Wednesday, as the STF joined forces with Gobarhiya and Laukaria police to apprehend her in Sundarpur village, where she had been residing under a false identity at her maternal home.
In May 2003, a faction of Maoists launched a violent attack on the Govardhana police station, utilizing dynamite for destruction. An FIR was lodged against 27 individuals, including Meenakshi, for their alleged involvement in this incident.
She was charged and had been declared an absconder, with a court-issued warrant, attachment, and proclamation notice.
Furthermore, another case was filed against her on March 22, 2005, at the Laukaria police station.
A charge sheet was submitted in 2007, yet she managed to evade authorities for more than two decades.
According to police intelligence, Meenakshi, originally from Champapur village near Govardhana police station, had been hiding in Sundarpur village.
Upon receiving this tip-off, a synchronized raid was executed, resulting in her apprehension without any resistance.
Ramanand Prasad, in-charge of Gobarhiya police station, verified the arrest, stating: "Meenakshi was one of the long-sought fugitives. Her capture is the outcome of weeks of surveillance and strategizing. She has been on our radar for years."
STF officials remarked that Meenakshi was a vital figure in the LWE groups, maintaining profound connections with the operational activities in North Bihar.
Her arrest is perceived as a critical victory in the ongoing effort to combat left-wing extremism in the area.
“Her interrogation may unveil further operatives engaged in Maoist activities,” a senior STF official mentioned.
Following her arrest, Meenakshi has been remanded to judicial custody. Authorities are now amplifying their efforts to expose her network and plan subsequent arrests based on insights obtained during her questioning.