Have the Three Most Wanted PLFI Maoists Been Captured in Jharkhand's Latehar Forest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Jharkhand Police successfully arrested three top Maoists linked to the PLFI.
- Police recovered firearms and ammunition during the operation.
- The arrested individuals were involved in multiple criminal cases.
- This operation highlights the ongoing fight against Maoist violence in Jharkhand.
- Community safety remains a priority for law enforcement.
Latehar (Jharkhand), May 15 (NationPress) - The Jharkhand Police have successfully apprehended three of the most notorious Maoists linked to the outlawed organization People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) during an operation in the Hargarwa forest within the Chandwa police station area of Latehar district, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The raid also resulted in the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, and several mobile phones.
The detained Maoists have been identified as Santosh Oraon, who resides in Chandwa, Ashish Oraon from the Balumath police station territory, and Balak Ram, hailing from Kuru police station in Lohardaga district.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Latehar Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Arvind Kumar stated that the trio was plotting a significant attack in the locality.
Based on intelligence gathered by Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav, a specialized team was formed under DSP Arvind Kumar and Inspector Randhir Kumar to apprehend the Maoists.
“Upon storming the forest, the Maoists tried to escape but were swiftly encircled and captured,” DSP Kumar remarked.
During the operation, authorities seized two country-made firearms, seven live rounds of ammunition, and seven mobile phones.
Santosh Oraon has been implicated in 23 criminal and Maoist-related incidents across various police jurisdictions in Jharkhand. Balak Ram is wanted in nine such cases, while Ashish Oraon is a habitual offender who has previously served time in prison.
Authorities believe the trio was linked to several recent violent occurrences, including an assault on a brick kiln in Serak village under the Chandwa police station last month, where a clerk was shot. They were also allegedly involved in gunfire at Santosh Singh’s crusher unit in Hargarwa.
Moreover, they had issued extortion threats to contractors of PRA Road Construction in the name of the PLFI.
The arrest operation was executed by a team that included Sub-Inspectors Ajit Kumar, Arvind Kumar Singh, Shravan Kumar, Rakesh Kumar Mahato, and other personnel.
All three Maoists were presented before a magistrate on Thursday and have been placed in judicial custody.