Synopsis
On March 13, 2023, police in Jharkhand arrested Durga Singh, a key leader of the PLFI, along with two associates. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons and other materials, highlighting ongoing issues with Maoist activities in the region.Key Takeaways
- Durga Singh was arrested in Gumla, Jharkhand.
- A total of 18 cases are registered against him.
- Police recovered several weapons and items from the suspects.
- Authorities suspect a planned major attack by the Maoists.
- The operation involved a special task force.
Ranchi, March 13 (NationPress) The outlawed Maoist group People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) leader Durga Singh, also known as Panjri, who had a bounty of Rs 2 lakh on his head, was apprehended along with two accomplices in the Gumla district of Jharkhand, according to police reports on Thursday.
Durga Singh, a founding member of the PLFI, was listed among the most-wanted individuals by the Jharkhand Police. After the capture of the PLFI chief Dinesh Gop approximately 18 months ago, Singh assumed command of the organization. Police records indicate that there are 18 cases filed against him across various police stations in Jharkhand.
Gumla's Superintendent of Police Shambhu Kumar Singh disclosed during a press conference that the arrests took place in the Kamdara police station vicinity near Murumkela Tetartoli. The other two individuals apprehended are Kaleshwar Hazam, also known as Tempu Hazam, from Baksapur in Khunti district, and Rajkumar Singh, a resident of Hendebilli village in the Ormanjhi police station area of Ranchi.
Durga Singh originates from Jaria Jamakel in the Lapung police station area of Ranchi.
The police seized a double-barrelled rifle, a country-made pistol, eight live bullets, three PLFI pamphlets, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle from the suspects.
According to the SP, Durga Singh is accused of extorting money from businessmen and contractors under threat. After receiving intelligence about a planned operation by the PLFI in the Kamdara region, SP Singh assembled a special task force led by Basia SDPO Nazir Akhtar to apprehend the Maoists.
On Wednesday night around 10:30 p.m., police observed suspicious individuals on two motorcycles near Gurumkela Tetartoli. When instructed to halt, they attempted to escape into the forest. While one group managed to flee, police arrested Durga Singh and his two companions who were on the second motorcycle.
Previously, on Sunday, the Jharkhand Police detained five hardline Maoists linked to the PLFI in the Ronhe forest of Khunti district. Authorities confiscated a stockpile of arms and materials, including a carbine and cartridges, from the captured Maoists.
According to police reports, the arrested Maoists were allegedly plotting a significant attack.
