Is a Maoist with a Rs 2 lakh bounty arrested in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli?
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Synopsis
A significant breakthrough in anti-Naxal operations occurred as Gadchiroli Police arrested an active Maoist, Shankar Mahaka, who had a Rs 2 lakh bounty. This operation highlights the persistent efforts against insurgency in Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- Shankar Mahaka was arrested during a police operation.
- A reward of Rs 2 lakh was announced for information leading to his capture.
- He was involved in serious criminal activities, including arson and murder.
- The operation showcases the dedication of Gadchiroli Police.
- A total of 109 Maoists have been arrested since January 2022.
Mumbai, Sep 14 (NationPress) In a significant achievement for anti-Naxal initiatives, the Gadchiroli Police apprehended an active Maoist who was conducting reconnaissance in the Tirkameta forest region of Tadgaon. The detained Maoist has been identified as Shankar Bhima Mahaka (32), a resident of Paraynar in Gadchiroli. He is a prominent member of the Bhamragarh Dalam, a specialized Maoist faction, and has been implicated in numerous cases of murder, arson, and explosions.
The apprehension occurred after two units of the Special Operations Team discovered a young man in suspicious circumstances while executing a search operation in the Tirkameta forest area under the Bhamragarh subdivision.
Upon interrogation, he was confirmed as Shankar Mahaka, a Maoist with a bounty on his head. The Maharashtra government had placed a reward of Rs 2 lakh for information leading to his capture.
Police investigations further revealed that Shankar Mahaka was involved in the incident where 19 vehicles valued at Rs 2 crore, engaged in the construction of the Dhodraj-Irpanar road, were set ablaze in 2022. A case was registered against him at the Laheri sub-post. In total, four criminal cases have been filed against him, including charges of murder, arson, and other serious offenses.
According to the Gadchiroli Police, the suspect was scouting the area with plans to ambush security forces. Following his arrest, authorities commenced further actions.
Significantly, the ongoing and coordinated efforts of the police in the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district have inflicted considerable damage on the insurgents and their strongholds. Since January 2022, the Gadchiroli Police have made 109 arrests of Maoists.
In addition to events in Gadchiroli, two anti-Maoist operations occurred in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand on the same day, resulting in the death of a Maoist with a bounty of Rs 8 lakh on his head, as per officials.
Reports indicate that a gunfight erupted between security forces and Maoists during a combing operation in the Bijapur forests of Chhattisgarh. The operation resulted in the death of a Maoist with an Rs 8 lakh bounty, along with the recovery of various weapons and a BGL launcher from the scene.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the sustained efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating the Naxal threat across India. The arrest of Shankar Mahaka not only reflects the dedication of the Gadchiroli Police but also highlights the ongoing struggle against insurgency within the region. Our support remains firmly with the authorities as they work to restore peace and security.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in Gadchiroli?
Shankar Bhima Mahaka, an active Maoist with a Rs 2 lakh bounty, was arrested by Gadchiroli Police.
What was Shankar Mahaka involved in?
He was involved in multiple criminal activities, including murder, arson, and the destruction of vehicles.
What is the significance of this arrest?
This arrest is a significant achievement for anti-Naxal operations and demonstrates the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in the region.
How many Maoists have been arrested in Gadchiroli since January 2022?
Since January 2022, Gadchiroli Police have arrested 109 Maoists.
What other operations occurred on the same day?
Two anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand also took place, resulting in the death of another Maoist with a Rs 8 lakh bounty.
