Jamshedpur: In a major success against Left Wing Extremism, West Singhbhum Police, in a joint operation with COBRA 209 Battalion, arrested two active cadres of the banned Maoist Communist Organisation (MCO) on Sunday. The arrests, made in the jurisdiction of Tonto and Chaibasa police stations, are being described as a significant blow to Maoist activities in the Kolhan region of Jharkhand.
According to police, the operation was launched after actionable intelligence indicated movement of armed Maoist cadres in the Lakhandera-Lajam area. Acting swiftly, a joint team of Chaibasa Police and COBRA 209 battalion conducted a search and apprehended the two extremists.
The arrested Maoists have been identified as sub- zonal committee member, Sandeep alias Hidima Padeyam from Chattisgarh and area committee member Shiva Bodra. Both were long-time operatives of the Maoist outfit and carried significant responsibilities in mobilisation, extortion, and spreading anti-national activities.
During the raid, security forces seized a large cache of arms and explosives including: 1 country-made pistol, 11 live cartridges, 2 magazines, 2 walkie-talkie sets, Detonators, IED-making equipment and Naxal literature and banners
Police records show that both arrested cadres were wanted in more than 40 cases registered across Jharkhand and Odisha. These include cases of murder, arson, unlawful possession of arms, extortion, and IED blasts targeting security forces. Shobha, in particular, has been accused of recruiting and coercing local women into Maoist ranks and was involved in multiple cases of atrocities against female members.
Officials revealed that these cadres had been operating in the region for nearly a decade, sustaining the Maoist network by using villagers for logistical support and instilling fear through threats and violence. They were also instrumental in spreading Maoist ideology and recruiting youth from vulnerable tribal areas.
“This is not just an arrest, but a step towards dismantling the entire Maoist support structure in Kolhan. With every such operation, the space for extremists is shrinking. We urge those still involved in Maoist activities to surrender and join the mainstream. The government has clear rehabilitation policies for those who wish to return to normal life,” said an official.
The press note further stated that continuous intelligence-based operations are being carried out in coordination with Jharkhand Police, CRPF, COBRA and Jharkhand Jaguar forces. The focus remains on preventing Maoists from regrouping and ensuring that villages remain free from their influence.
The arrested extremists are currently under interrogation. Police expect valuable information regarding Maoist hideouts, supply lines, and their urban support networks.
