Jharkhand Police Detain Five PLFI Maoists, Weapons Seized

Synopsis

In a significant crackdown, Jharkhand police captured five Maoists linked to the PLFI in Khunti's Ronhe forest. Authorities seized weapons and materials, revealing the group was planning a major attack. The operation followed intelligence reports and involved a specialized police team.

Key Takeaways

Five Maoists from PLFI arrested in Khunti.
Significant weapons cache seized, including a carbine.
Police acted on intelligence reports about an imminent attack.
Arrests highlight ongoing efforts against left-wing extremism.
PLFI is notorious for extortion in Jharkhand and neighboring states.

Ranchi, March 9 (NationPress) In a significant operation against left-wing extremism, the Jharkhand police apprehended five notorious Maoists linked to the banned People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) in the Ronhe forest of Khunti district on Sunday.

Authorities confiscated a stockpile of weapons and various materials, such as a carbine and numerous cartridges, from the detained Maoists.

As stated by the police, the captured Maoists were reportedly plotting to carry out a significant attack.

During a press briefing, Khunti Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Christopher Kerketta revealed the identities of the arrested Maoists: Pawan Kumar alias Pawan Mahato and Karma Barla, both from Targarhi village under the Itki police station in Ranchi, along with Sentu Singh, Abhay Kumar Singh alias Aman Singh, and Deepak Munda, who hail from Ramgarh district.

This operation was initiated following intelligence received by Khunti Superintendent of Police (SP) Aman Kumar regarding PLFI operatives' presence in the Ronhe forest. In response, a specialized team was assembled under ASP Christopher Kerketta, comprising Police Inspector Ashok Kumar Singh, Rania Police Station Incharge Vikas Jaiswal, Karra Police Station Incharge Manish Kumar, Jariagarh Police Station Incharge Raju Kumar, Police Sub-Inspector Deepak Kant, and armed police personnel.

The joint task force encircled the forest comprehensively to prevent any escape routes, leading to the successful capture of the five militants. Initial inquiries indicated that the group was strategizing an armed assault aimed at extorting levies from local contractors and business owners.

Alongside the weapons, security forces retrieved four motorcycles, five mobile phones, PLFI pamphlets, and multiple bags filled with essential provisions. According to police records, three of the detained individuals -- Pawan Kumar alias Pawan Mahato, Sentu Singh, and Deepak Munda -- have numerous criminal cases registered against them across various police stations.

The recent arrests come shortly after a violent clash between security forces and PLFI militants in the Bandgaon police station area of West Singhbhum district on March 2, resulting in the deaths of two Naxalites.

The PLFI, a splinter faction of the Maoist insurgency, is infamous for its extortion and terror tactics, primarily targeting coal traders, transporters, railway contractors, and businesses. The group's influence is not limited to Jharkhand, with operations also reported in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.