Combing operations have continued since Tuesday morning in Maoist-infested regions. But an unexpected incident shook Vijayawada after 27 Maoists from Chattisgarh were arrested. Central forces raided Kotta Autonagar in Kanur on the outskirts and detained them at the spot.
Police said they acted on intelligence that Maoists were staying in a building. Out of the 27 arrested, 12 were women and four held key positions. Eleven were sympathisers who worked with the militia. Officials also learned about four dumps that the group had set up.
Octopus and Greyhounds led the operation with help from local residents. They learned that the Maoists entered the area ten days earlier. The house owner has been abroad for one and a half months. The Maoists claimed they came for labour work, and police are questioning the watchman.
Vijayawada police confirmed that Octopus teams supported the operation. Raids also took place in five other districts across Andhra Pradesh at the same time. Tippiri Tirupati’s group was arrested. A total of 31 Maoists were detained in Vijayawada, Krishna district and Kakinada, including nine from the Maoist central committee.
Many key Maoist leaders have surrendered in recent months after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a strong plan to end Maoist activity in the country. The latest arrests mark another step in that direction.
