Four hardcore Maoists who were allegedly linked to a C-60 Commando killing were held in joint operation carried out by the Gadchiroli Police and CRPF in Maharashtra, the police said on Saturday.
Those arrested in the operation include a top Maoist couple, according to the police.
A joint anti-Maoist operation was carried out in the Palli forest area under the Tadgaon Police Station jurisdiction in the Bhamragad sub-division of Gadchiroli, the officials said.
The arrested Maoists were actively involved in multiple violent incidents, including the killing of a C-60 commando during an encounter in the Dirangi-Fulnar forest on 11 February 2025, police said.
The state government had declared a total reward of Rs 40 lakh for their capture, it said.
The joint team of Gadchiroli Police and CRPF’s 09 Battalion F-Coy spotted the suspects moving suspiciously in the forest and detained them. After detailed questioning at Pranhita Police Sub-Headquarters (Aheri), they were positively identified.
All four were found to be conducting reconnaissance for a future attack and have been arrested. They face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Maharashtra Police Act, the Gadchiroli Police said.
Those arrested were identified as Sailu Bhumayah Muddela alias Raghu, 55, a senior Maoist leader and Secretary of South Gadchiroli Divisional Committee. He has been involved in at least 77 crimes, including 34 encounters and 23 murders. He carried a Rs 20 lakh reward, the police said, adding that Raghu has served in various Maoist groups across Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra and was active since 1990.
Jaini Bhima Kharatam alias Akhila, 41, wife of Raghu, and Secretary of Bhamragad Area Committee was also arrested in the operation. She is linked to 29 crimes and carried a Rs 16 lakh reward. She joined the group in 2001 and held top-level leadership roles, police said.
Both were key figures in organising violent actions and obstructing government efforts in Gadchiroli, an official said.
Apart from Raghu and Gangu, Zansi Doge Talandi alias Gangu, 30, a member of Bhamragad Local Organisation Squad (LOS) who had been linked to around 14 criminal cases and carried a Rs 2 lakh reward was also held during the joint operation.
The police said that Manila Pido Gawade alias Sarita, 21, also a member of Bhamragad LOS, involved in 10 crimes, including 5 murders and carrying a Rs 2 lakh reward was also held by the police and CRPF.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of several senior officers including Sandip Patil (Special IGP, Anti-Naxal Operations), Ankit Goyal (DIG, Gadchiroli), and Neelotpal (SP, Gadchiroli), along with CRPF officials and local police teams.
SP Neelotpal said that anti-Maoist operations in the region will be further intensified. He also urged active Maoists to surrender.
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