Wanted Jharkhand Maoist Leader Arrested in Kerala’s Munnar

Idukki – A Maoist leader accused of killing three policemen in a bomb blast in Jharkhand has been arrested in Munnar, Kerala, officials reported on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Sahan Tudi Dinabu, a Jharkhand native, was apprehended late Monday night in a joint operation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) units from Kochi and Ranchi, with support from the Kerala Police.

Dinabu had been living undercover at the Gudarvilla estate in Munnar with his wife, posing as a guest labourer. Acting on precise intelligence, officials surrounded the estate and arrested him without resistance. Investigators said he had been working at the estate for over a year and a half while evading detection.

He is a key accused in the Maoist attack that killed three policemen in a bomb blast and may have maintained contact with other operatives across different states. His arrest is considered a significant breakthrough in the ongoing nationwide anti-Maoist operations.

Following his apprehension, Dinabu underwent a medical examination and is currently in secure custody at the Munnar police station. He will soon be transferred to Jharkhand for further legal proceedings and detailed interrogation.

Officials highlighted that the operation reflects close coordination between state police and central agencies. The NIA is expected to question him to uncover potential Maoist links in Kerala and neighbouring states, which could lead to further breakthroughs in dismantling extremist networks.

With inputs from IANS