Bihar STF Detains 123 Maoist Operatives This Year: Official Report
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Patna, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Special Task Force (STF) of the Bihar Police has achieved significant milestones in reducing Maoist activities in 2024, capturing 123 operatives, which includes 11 high-profile individuals who had bounties placed on them, according to a senior official.
Amrit Raj, the Additional Director General (ADG) of STF, mentioned that northern Bihar is now devoid of Maoist activities.
The STF has successfully eradicated Maoist movements in North Bihar, he revealed.
ADG Amrit Raj highlighted that the capture of the notable operative Ram Babu Ram in 2023 marked a pivotal moment.
"Security forces have confined Maoist activities to eight districts in Bihar, including Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur, Munger, Lakhisarai, and Sheikhpura. We are actively working to halt their revenue generation," he stated.
Amrit Raj noted that the STF has dismantled opium plantations covering 2,523 acres within these districts, targeting a vital source of funding for the Maoists.
The STF has seized Rs 56 lakh in extorted funds during operations in affected districts.
"Under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 32 cases have been filed, resulting in the attachment of movable and immovable assets worth Rs 6.75 crore. We have also advised the Enforcement Directorate to attach properties valued at Rs 8.97 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). To date, assets worth Rs 4.9 crore have been successfully seized," Amrit Raj stated.
"We have formed a specialized team to investigate 18 specific cases involving Maoist operatives. Legal proceedings are progressing without any hiccups," he added.
Since 2020, under the surrender and rehabilitation programme, 22 Maoist operatives have turned themselves in to the Bihar Police.
To bolster infrastructure for security forces in Maoist-affected areas, 85 police station buildings were completed in the initial phase. In the second phase, 27 buildings were proposed, of which 25 have been completed.
The Bihar government has constructed 1,814 km of roads in Maoist-affected regions and set up 93 mobile towers. An additional 35 mobile towers are currently being built to enhance communication in remote locations.
The STF has established 11 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at strategic locations within dense forests and hilly terrains.
