Are Top Maoists Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy in Police Custody?
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Synopsis
In a recent court session, the Andhra Pradesh Police denied having custody of top Maoist leaders Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy, amid claims made in a habeas corpus petition. The police emphasized that recent arrests do not include these figures, raising questions about their whereabouts and the ongoing Maoist operations in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy are not in police custody, according to Andhra Pradesh Police.
- A habeas corpus petition has been filed seeking their production in court.
- Police arrested several Maoists in connection with recent operations.
- Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the legality of these actions.
- The situation underscores the complex dynamics of Maoist insurgency in India.
Amaravati, Nov 20 (NationPress) The Andhra Pradesh Police informed the state High Court on Thursday that CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Thippiri Tirupathi, known as Devuji, along with another prominent Maoist figure, Malla Raji Reddy, are not in their custody.
This statement was made during the hearing of a habeas corpus petition that was submitted by one Gangadhar from Telangana, who requested that the Andhra Pradesh Police present Devuji and Raji Reddy in court.
The police denied having the two leaders in custody, stating that those apprehended in five districts on November 18 had already been brought before the relevant courts.
The High Court has instructed the petitioner to provide evidence supporting his claim that Devuji and Raji Reddy are detained by the police.
The petitioner's lawyer contended that the police had released a press statement asserting that key Maoist leaders were indeed in their custody, and he requested additional time to present this statement to the court.
The court has postponed the petition hearing until Friday.
On Wednesday, Mahesh Chandra Laddha, the Additional Director-General of Police (Intelligence), clarified that they do not have any information regarding Devuji's current location.
“We lack information about Devuji’s whereabouts; he may be in Chhattisgarh or Telangana. He is not in our possession. We did arrest his protection team, and we will learn their plans after speaking with them,” he stated.
Originating from Korutla in Telangana, Devuji is one of the most wanted individuals by the governments of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
On November 18, nine members of Devuji's protection team were among 50 Maoists arrested across five districts shortly after an encounter in the forests of Alluri Sitharamaraju district, resulting in the deaths of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, his wife Raje, and four others.
Subsequently, a day after Hidma's death, seven Maoists, including explosives expert Metturi Joga Rao a.k.a. Tech Shankar, were killed in Alluri Sitharamaraju district.
Civil liberties organizations have accused the authorities of staging both the encounters and the arrests, asserting that Devuji is indeed in police custody.
The Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee (APCLC) and the CPI-ML New Democracy have alleged that the police have detained Devuji as part of their operations.
APCLC State General Secretary Chiluka Chandrashekar has called for the immediate production of Devuji and other Maoist leaders in court.
Point of View
It's vital to maintain a neutral stance while reporting on such sensitive issues. The situation surrounding the custody of Maoist leaders raises critical questions about law enforcement practices and civil liberties. It is essential to present the facts accurately while respecting the concerns of all parties involved.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy?
Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy are prominent leaders of the CPI (Maoist) party, known for their influence and activities in various states in India.
What is a habeas corpus petition?
A habeas corpus petition is a legal action that challenges the legality of a person's detention or imprisonment, requesting that the detained individual be brought before a court.
Why did the police deny custody of these leaders?
The police claimed that they do not have Devuji and Raji Reddy in custody and that recent arrests do not include them.
What actions have civil liberties groups taken?
Civil liberties groups have alleged that the police staged encounters and arrests, claiming that both leaders are actually in custody.
What is the significance of this case?
This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and civil rights, as well as the challenges in addressing Maoist activities in India.
