Jharkhand Police Apprehends Two Naxal Commanders in Saranda Forest, Seizes Arms

In a significant breakthrough, West Singhbhum police have arrested two prominent Naxalites in the Saranda forest during an ongoing special operation. The arrested individuals are implicated in over 40 Naxal-related offenses, and authorities have recovered weapons and other incriminating items. The apprehended Naxalites are identified as Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam, a sub-zonal committee member hailing from Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, and Shiva Bodra alias Shibu, an area committee member from Jojodih, Saraikela. The police seized a pistol, 11 live cartridges, two magazines, two walkie-talkies, detonators, and IED-making materials during the arrest. West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan confirmed that this was a substantial victory for the anti-Naxal operations. The police plan to continue their operations to maintain peace and security in the area. On August 30, intelligence indicated that key leaders of the banned Maoist organization, including Anal alias Ramesh, Misir Besra, and Ajay Mahto, were planning a major operation in the Saranda region. A joint team comprising Chaibasa Police and the Cobra 209 Battalion, led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Paras Rana, was formed in response. The team conducted a search operation in the forests of the Jaraikela police station area, resulting in the capture of both Naxalites. Interrogation of the arrested Naxalites revealed disturbing details, including the sexual exploitation and forced abortions of female squad members by Anal alias Ramesh, a central committee member of the Maoist organization. Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam faces over 30 serious criminal charges across various police stations in Jharkhand, including murder, attacks on police, and violations of the Arms Act, UAPA, and CLA Act. He has been active since 2015 and has been involved in numerous Naxalite activities within the state.