Mochhu and Two Villagers Also Held From Giridih-Dhanbad Border Area
Key Points:
- Politburo member Misir Besra reportedly held with ₹1 crore on his head
- Mochhu alias Shaurabh and two villagers also taken into custody
- No official confirmation yet as agencies question those detained
GIRIDIH – Word has come in of the arrest of Misir Besra, one of the most wanted rebel leaders in Jharkhand, from the district’s border belt.
Besra is described as a politburo member of the banned CPI (Maoist). A reward of ₹1 crore had been announced on him.
According to the information available, he was picked up along the boundary of Giridih and Dhanbad. The exact spot has not been disclosed.
However, no official confirmation has been issued so far. The agencies concerned have stayed silent on the reported arrest.
Mochhu, also known as Shaurabh and Gaurav, was held with him. Two villagers were taken into custody in the same action.
Meanwhile, the security forces have begun questioning all of them. Besra himself is among those being interrogated.
The action came during the anti-rebel drive running across the state. The declared aim of the drive is a Naxal-free Jharkhand.
Besides, Jharkhand Police and central agencies have worked together on it. The reported arrest has been called a major gain for them.
Moreover, 16 rebels surrendered on Tuesday at the police headquarters. The headquarters is situated in Ranchi.
Earlier, 27 rebels had laid down arms together on May 21. The two groups gave up within a little over two months.
In addition, the forces have kept up pressure on the rebel network in recent years. Several anti-rebel operations have been carried out in the state.
On the other hand, the arrest of a senior rebel leader is rare. Jharkhand remains among the states reviewed for left-wing extremism.
