Chhattisgarh: Close aid of top Maoist leader arrested

ANI  |  Dornapal (Chhattisgarh) [India] 

A joint operation by the (CRPF) and Police on Friday resulted in the arrest of a Naxal involved in various attacks on security forces in

Meanwhile, another top Naxal, Doodhi Handa surrendered in front the security forces.

Handa was known for spreading Maoist propaganda in as many as five villages, while Podiya had served as a gunman for

Podiya was involved in various attacks on security forces, most notably in the attack in Chhattisgarh's Kasalpad village last year, which claimed the lives of 14 CRPF personnel.

He was also involved in the ambush on a in Pidmel village, in 2015, which left seven STF personnel dead, while injuring 12 others.

Speaking to ANI, the of the 74th Battalion of CRPF, hailed the anti-Naxal operations.

"A gang member of top Pada Appu, has been arrested in a joint operation conducted by the CRPF and the police. Another top Naxal, Doodhi Handa has surrendered. These were the result of relentless anti-Naxal operations by the CRPF and the police and we hope that we will continue to successfully thwart Maoist operations in the region."

This comes after seven naxals, including four with rewards on their heads, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's district on Saturday.

Earlier, 10 naxals surrendered before police in Narayanpur. One of them was carrying a bounty of Rs. five lakh on his head.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sun, July 08 2018. 15:20 IST