No Maoists left on wanted list after Operation Antim Prahar: Gadchiroli SP M Ramesh
Gadchiroli, May 17
Gadchiroli Police and the Central Reserve Police Force have arrested eight Maoists and secured the surrender of five senior cadres during the anti-Naxal drive 'Operation Antim Prahar', marking a major breakthrough in the fight against Left Wing Extremism in the district.
Superintendent of Police (SP) M Ramesh said the operation has led to the complete removal of Maoists from the district police's official wanted records. "CRPF and Gadchiroli police had launched 'Operation Antim Prahar', under which eight Maoists have been arrested... No Maoist now remains on its official 'wanted' records after the launch of 'Operation Antim Prahar'," he said.
According to police, the arrested Maoists include two Divisional Committee Members (DVCMs) and two Platoon Party Committee Members (PPCMs). Several of them were allegedly involved in the February 7 Phodewada encounter in which a C-60 commando was killed. The Maharashtra government had announced a combined reward of Rs 64 lakh for the arrested cadres.
Security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during the operation, including 51 firearms such as LMGs, AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, SLRs, .303 rifles, 12-bore guns and BGL launchers. Police also seized detonators, live cartridges, Maoist literature and Rs 65.34 lakh in cash, allegedly meant for future attacks.
The arrested Maoists were identified as Raju alias Mangdu Weko, Jyoti alias Akila alias Samita Potavi, Janni alias Nagi Ungal Yemla, Jairam Monge Gawde, Mukesh alias Lachhu Lakku Avlam, Vijay alias Mangdu Hunga Tamo, Rajita alias Shambatti Kosa Madavi and Aamti alias Ayti alias Sandhya Idma Podiyam.
In a parallel development on May 16, five senior Maoists surrendered before Gadchiroli Police and the CRPF. Authorities said rewards worth ₹38 lakh had been declared on them. Police said sustained anti-Maoist operations, rehabilitation policies and frustration with underground life pushed them to surrender.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's great to see such decisive action against Left Wing Extremism. The surrender of five senior cadres, especially with Rs 38 lakh in rewards, signals the state's rehabilitation policies are working. However, I hope the focus also remains on addressing the root causes like development disparities in tribal areas. Better roads, schools and jobs will dry up Maoist recruitment naturally.
Wow, Rs 64 lakh combined reward on the arrested ones! 😲 And they recovered LMGs, AK-47s, INSAS rifles... the amount of weapons is shocking. The C-60 commando who died in the February encounter — this is justice for him. Respect to every jawaan putting their life on the line in these forests.
'No Maoists left on wanted list' — this is a landmark achievement after decades of Naxal violence in Gadchiroli. I remember reading about bombings and ambushes in this area year after year. The police leadership under SP M Ramesh deserves special credit. Let's hope the peace lasts and development follows. 🤞
Good news for sure, but I'm a bit skeptical. 'Wanted list' might not capture all underground Maoists who aren't formally listed. Also, the surrender of five senior cadres is positive, but we've seen past surrenders where some returned to violence. I hope the rehabilitation packages are substantial — jobs, skill training and proper protection for their families. A balanced view is needed, but still, kudos to the forces for this operation.
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