Why Were Four Maoists Arrested While Planning to Collect Rs 1 Crore Levy in Ranchi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four Maoists were arrested in Ranchi for planning extortion.
- They targeted local businesses, demanding Rs 1 crore.
- Seized items included a loaded pistol and Maoist propaganda.
- Yogendra Ganjhu has a long criminal history and has been active since 2006.
- Police vow to continue operations against illegal activities.
Ranchi, July 14 (NationPress) - On Monday, the Ranchi Police apprehended four active members of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organization who were in the process of extorting a hefty sum of Rs 1 crore in Jharkhand, as confirmed by officials.
The individuals were targeting local entrepreneurs, contractors, and brick kiln operators for their illicit demands.
Ranchi DIG and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Chandan Kumar Sinha disclosed during a press briefing that those arrested have been identified as Yogendra Ganjhu alias Pawan, Mukesh Ganjhu, Manu Ganjhu, and Rajkumar Nahak.
Following a tip-off, a police squad executed a raid near the Bakshi Bangla Chatti river in the Khalari and McCluskieganj police station jurisdictions of Ranchi district, where the suspects had assembled to strategize their extortion scheme.
Authorities seized a loaded homemade pistol, three live cartridges, Maoist propaganda materials, and mobile devices utilized for extortion communications from the arrested individuals.
As per police reports, Yogendra Ganjhu is a seasoned member of the Maoist group, having been active since 2006. He has engaged in numerous confrontations with security forces and possesses an extensive criminal history, with at least ten severe cases lodged against him in various police stations across Latehar, Balumath, Garu, and Panki. His last release from prison occurred in 2022.
Another suspect, Mukesh Ganjhu, also bears multiple criminal cases against him in Palamu, Latehar, and Lohardaga districts. Police noted that both Yogendra and Mukesh are regarded as hardened Maoist operatives with significant connections within the extortion network operating in central and western Jharkhand.
Furthermore, it was revealed by the police that on June 25, this same group had issued a demand for Rs 1 crore from an employee in the General Manager's office of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), threatening him with death if the amount was not settled by July 2. An FIR regarding this incident has been filed at the Khalari police station.
SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha cautioned that stringent measures will persist against anyone involved in Maoist operations or unlawful extortion. “We will not spare anyone engaged in such illegal activities. Our efforts against Maoist factions will remain unyielding,” he emphasized.