Rs 50,000-Reward Maoist Leader Held with Two Aides in Latehar Operation

Latehar: A Maoist commander carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was arrested along with two associates during a targeted police operation in Jharkhand’s Latehar district, authorities confirmed.

The arrested commander, Adesh Ganjhu, is an alleged member of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC). Two of his associates, identified as Ujjwal Kumar and Subhash Kumar, were also detained. Police seized illegal firearms, ammunition, and documents linked to extremist activities during the operation.

Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav said the operation was launched after police received credible intelligence about the presence of Ganjhu and several armed cadres in the Pakrua forest near Banwar village under Bariatu police station jurisdiction. The group was suspected to be planning a major criminal attack.

A special team was deployed, which conducted an extensive search and cordon exercise in the forest area. During the operation, three individuals were apprehended, while other suspected extremists managed to escape by taking advantage of the dense forest terrain and darkness.

Police said Ganjhu has been associated with TSPC for many years and is accused in 21 criminal cases across Latehar and Chatra districts. The cases include allegations of extortion, collection of illegal levy, firing incidents, arson, and other extremist activities.

Investigators revealed that Ganjhu operated under multiple fake identities such as Prabhakar, Kaushal, Upendra, and Vikram to avoid arrest and extort money from contractors and business operators. He was reportedly active in several areas of Jharkhand, including Balumath, Tandwa, Simaria, Lawalaung, Keredari, Khalari, and McCluskieganj.

While Subhash Kumar already faces legal charges in Chatra district, the involvement of Ujjwal Kumar is still being examined. Police are continuing interrogation to obtain details about the TSPC network, its operational bases, financial sources, and upcoming activities.

With inputs from IANS