Were 31 Maoists Disguised as Labourers Arrested in Andhra's Vijayawada and Kakinada?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, police in Vijayawada have arrested 31 Maoists disguised as laborers, raising concerns about their infiltration. This unprecedented incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing Maoist activity in Andhra Pradesh, especially as security operations intensify.
Key Takeaways
- 31 Maoists arrested in Vijayawada, including leaders.
- Majority were women disguised as labourers.
- Operatives from Greyhounds and OCTOPUS involved.
- Searches prompted by intelligence alerts.
- Link to previous operations in Alluri Sitharamaraju district.
Vijayawada, Nov 18 (NationPress) - The discovery of Maoists in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh and its vicinity caused a major alarm on Tuesday. Police apprehended 31 Naxals, including prominent leaders from Chhattisgarh.
A total of 27 Maoists were detained from a four-storey structure in New Autonagar, located in the Kanuru area of Vijayawada.
Reports suggest that among those arrested were nine members of the Central Committee of CPI(Maoists), captured by OCTOPUS and Greyhounds operatives in collaboration with local law enforcement.
The majority of the detained Maoists were women, who had allegedly taken refuge while posing as labourers.
Following an intelligence tip-off about Maoist hideouts in the city, security forces conducted extensive searches.
According to Additional Director General of Intelligence, Mahesh Chandra Laddha, a total of 31 Maoists were taken into custody from Krishna district, encompassing Vijayawada and Kakinada.
Due to the influx of migrant workers from states like Chhattisgarh, who are employed in various factories and timber yards around Vijayawada, particularly in Autonagar, the Maoists managed to blend in without raising suspicion.
Extensive search operations were executed to capture the Maoists, though it remains unclear if any firearms or explosives were seized during the raids.
These searches are reportedly linked to a recent operation conducted by security forces in the forests of Alluri Sitharamaraju district at the Andhra-Odisha border, where six Maoists, including a top commander and CPI(Maoist) Central Committee member Hidma and his spouse Raji, were killed.
As pressure mounts from intensified operations by security forces in Chhattisgarh, numerous Maoists from that state are thought to have fled to Andhra Pradesh.
ADG Intelligence mentioned that they have been monitoring Maoist movements closely for the past month.
Some Maoists and their sympathizers are believed to have relocated to the deeper areas of Andhra Pradesh.
Authorities are interrogating the owner of the building in Autonagar and seeking to identify individuals who provided shelter to the Maoists and their supporters. Investigations are underway to determine if any attacks were being planned.
Police officials remarked that such a significant number of Maoists had never been apprehended in any city in Andhra Pradesh, even during the peak of Maoist activity.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the gravity of the situation involving the arrest of 31 Maoists in Andhra Pradesh. This incident not only underscores the persistent challenge posed by Maoist insurgency but also highlights the effectiveness of coordinated policing efforts in mitigating such threats. The safety and security of citizens remain paramount, and such operations are vital in preserving peace across the nation.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the police to conduct searches in Vijayawada?
The police conducted searches following an intelligence tip-off regarding Maoists hiding in the area.
How many Maoists were arrested?
A total of 31 Maoists were arrested, including several prominent leaders.
What was the disguise used by the arrested Maoists?
Most of the arrested Maoists were women who posed as laborers.
Where were the arrests made?
The arrests were made in a four-storey building at New Autonagar in Vijayawada.
What is the significance of this arrest?
This incident marks one of the largest arrests of Maoists in an urban area in Andhra Pradesh.
