Three TSPSC members apprehended in Palamu’s Karimati forest with firearms, AK-47, pistol, and live ammunition seized.
Key Points:
– Three TSPSC operatives arrested with multiple firearms and 83 live bullets.
– Weapons seized include an AK-47, pistols, and mobile devices.
– Arrests made in response to increased security measures for the state election.
MEDININAGAR – In a significant operation, Palamu police captured three armed members of the banned TSPSC from Karimati forest as part of intensified efforts to curb insurgency activities ahead of Jharkhand’s legislative elections.
Police had received intelligence regarding three TSPSC members from the unit led by Akraman Ganjhu moving in the Karimati forest on Monday night.
Reports indicated they were organizing for expansion, extortion activities, and to influence upcoming elections.
Based on this alert, a joint operation was launched by officers from Manatu and Panki police stations.
Upon locating the suspects, the police conducted a search and encircled a specific area in the forest.
Officers observed three men conversing under a tree and attempted to approach them.
When the suspects attempted to flee, the officers acted quickly, capturing all three.
SP Reeshma Rameshan stated that police recovered an AK-47, a local-made pistol, and 83 live rounds along with mobile phones and TSPSC pamphlets.
Arrested Operatives and Weapons Seized
The arrested individuals have been identified as Shravan Oraon alias Hemant from Rohtas district, Bihar; Prem Ganjhu alias Sagar from Latehar district; and Santu Kumar alias Shailendra from Chatra district.
Alongside the AK-47 and a country-made pistol, police seized a 7.62 mm bullet shell, 79 live bullets, a 7.65 mm cartridge, and two mobile phones.
Officers have stated that "the swift action prevented a significant threat to local contractors and electoral stability."
Criminal Histories and Ongoing Investigations
SP Rameshan disclosed that all three suspects are linked to various incidents, including past confrontations with police.
Santu Kumar, in particular, has a history of violent encounters with law enforcement, including a recent ambush in Chatra.
Additionally, five cases remain open against him across Palamu and Chatra districts.
Prem Ganjhu and Shravan Oraon face charges in cases filed since 2021 in multiple areas, highlighting the gravity of their insurgent activities.
Authorities have assured that anti-insurgency operations will continue with full force across the region.
The recent arrests are part of an intensified sweep in anticipation of any threats that might disrupt the election process.
