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Key Points

The National Investigation Agency has arrested a key Maoist operative involved in a deadly 2021 forest blast in Jharkhand. Sawan Tuti was captured from a hideout in Kerala's Munnar region after being on the run for months. The IED attack had resulted in the death of three security personnel and injured three others. The NIA continues its investigation to trace additional accused in the terror case.

Key Points: NIA Arrests Key Maoist Operative in Jharkhand Lanji Blast Case

  • NIA arrested Sawan Tuti from Munnar, Kerala hideout
  • Accused linked to CPI Maoist terror organization
  • IED blast killed three Jharkhand Jaguar personnel in 2021
  • Carried non-bailable warrant and Rs. 20,000 cash reward
2 min read

Jharkhand Lanji forest blast: Key Maoist operative arrested by NIA in Kerala hideout

NIA captures Sawan Tuti in Kerala for 2021 Lanji Forest IED attack that killed three security personnel

"He was part of the larger conspiracy hatched in association with armed cadres - NIA Press Note"

New Delhi, Oct 14

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an absconding aide of armed cadres of the CPI (Maoist) terror organisation for his involvement in the 2021 Jharkhand Lanji Forest IED blast case, which resulted in the death of three security personnel and left three others injured, the agency said on Tuesday.

According to the NIA, Sawan Tuti alias Saban Tuti, a resident of Seraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand, was nabbed on Monday from district Idukki, Kerala, where he had been hiding in Munnar.

"NIA, acting in coordination with Kerala Police, arrested him based on inputs received. A mobile phone, along with SIM Cards and various documents, including materials revealing the identities of the accused person, were recovered during the operation," the central agency said in its press note.

The accused, who had been chargesheeted in the case under various sections of IPC, UA(P) Act and CLA Act in September 2021, was carrying a non-bailable warrant of arrest and a cash reward of Rs. 20,000 against him.

The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast was carried out in March 2021 in the Lanji Forest Hill Area of Chakradharpur, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand.

In that blast, three Jharkhand Jaguar personnel were killed, and three other security personnel, including one ASI/RO of CRPF, were grievously injured.

"NIA investigation in the case RC 02/2021/NIA/RNC revealed that Sawan was an active Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the proscribed terrorist organisation, CPI(Maoist)," the NIA said.

"He was part of the larger conspiracy hatched in association with armed cadres of the outfit under the leadership and direction of its top cadres," it added.

According to the NIA, the investigation in the case is continuing as part of the agency's efforts to trace other accused and conspirators.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to read about the security personnel who lost their lives. They leave behind families while protecting us. Hope the investigation leads to more arrests and justice is served.
A
Arjun K
Hiding in Munnar? These terrorists think they can escape anywhere. Good coordination between NIA and Kerala Police. This shows our agencies are working effectively across state boundaries.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the arrest, I'm concerned about the rehabilitation aspect. Many get involved in such activities due to poverty and lack of opportunities. We need development programs in these areas too.
V
Vikram M
Only Rs. 20,000 reward? For such a dangerous operative? The reward amount should be increased to encourage more informants. Our security personnel's lives are worth much more than this.
M
Michael C
Impressive work tracking him down after 3 years. The persistence of our investigation agencies deserves appreciation. Hope this brings some closure to the families of the martyred soldiers.

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