Major Success in Jharkhand: Two Naxal Leaders Arrested, Weapons and Explosives Recovered

A special operation conducted by West Singhbhum Police in the Saranda forests has resulted in the arrest of two prominent Naxal leaders. The individuals are linked to more than 40 Naxalite incidents, and law enforcement recovered arms and other related items. The arrested Naxalites are identified as Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam, a sub-zonal committee member from Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and Shiva Bodra alias Shibu, an area committee member from Jojodih, Saraikela. During the arrests, police confiscated a pistol, 11 live cartridges, two magazines, two walkie-talkies, detonators, and materials used for constructing IEDs. West Singhbhum’s Superintendent of Police, Rakesh Ranjan, stated that the arrests represent a significant victory in the ongoing campaign against Naxalism, with further operations planned to maintain peace in the region. On August 30th, authorities received intelligence suggesting that top leaders of the outlawed Maoist organization, including Anal alias Ramesh, Misir Besra, and Ajay Mahto, were planning a major operation in the Saranda area. In response, a joint task force was established, involving Chaibasa Police and the Cobra 209 Battalion, under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Paras Rana. The joint team conducted a search operation within the forests of the Jaraikela police station area, which led to the arrest of the two Naxal leaders. The investigation into the captured individuals unveiled disturbing details about the exploitation of female squad members by Anal alias Ramesh, a central committee member of the Maoist organization, including forced abortions. Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam faces over 30 serious criminal charges, encompassing murder, attacks on law enforcement, and violations of the Arms Act, UAPA, and CLA Act, across various police stations in Jharkhand. He has been actively involved in Naxalite activities within the state since 2015.