Odisha: Maoist leader Pravakar arrested by police, another surrenders

Keonjhar: Dreaded Maoist leader Bhaskar Patra alias Pravakar, who was involved in explosion, extortion and arson, was arrested from Odisha’s Keonjhar district, police said here today. Considered as a senior member of the Kalinganagar Maoist Division, Bhaskar, active in Keonjhar and Jajpur districts,was arrested from Baraigoda village under Daitari police station yesterday, superintendent of police Kabita Jalan said. [caption id=“attachment_1166963” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Maoists. AFP. [/caption] After being arrested for his involvement in Maoist activities, Bhaskar had served a four year jail term from 2009 to 2013 as a under trial prisoner. However, after his release, Bhaskar in association with leaders including Shekar, Mantu, Bikar and others had conspired to blow up the railway line near Tangiriapal railway station in Keonjhar district, she said. Besides, he was involved in instigating tribals against the government and collecting huge funds for Maoist activity, Jalan said. He was arrested under various sections of the IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Indian Railways Act and Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act, she said. At the time of arrest, electric wire, detonators, gelatin sticks, pencils and batteries were seized from his possession. In a second such incident, another Maoist leader Ghana Munda today deserted the camp and surrendered before the SP here. Munda, who basically worked as a militia member in the Kalinganagar Division, alleged that cadres and other members were being meted out with physical and mental torture. The surrendered Maoist would be rehabilitated as per state government’s policy, the SP said. PTI