Naxal wanted in scribe`s killing nabbed in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: A Naxal allegedly involved in the killing of a journalist earlier this year was arrested from Maoist-hit Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, police said Tuesday.

Banjami Hidma (35) was nabbed from the forest under Tongpal police station limits yesterday during a search operation, Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shandilya said. "The cadre was wanted in connection with the murder of a local journalist - Nemi Chand Jain(45) - and a cash reward of Rs 50,000 was also announced for information regarding him," the SP said. Acting on a tip-off about his presence in Tongpal of South Bastar, around 450 kms from the state capital Raipur, a team of local police mobilised and later nabbed him, he said. The interrogation of the rebel was on, he added. According to sources, police also suspect Hidma`s involvement in the May 25 Jiram valley Naxal attack in which prominent Congress leaders were killed.