Maoist held in Palamau

Medininagar: A Maoist 'sub-zonal commander', carrying a reward of Rs five lakh on his head, was arrested during a special operation in Palamau district, a senior police officer on Thursday said.

Jagnarayan Yadav alias Vishal ji, who had joined the ultra group following a land dispute, was arrested from Thekhi village in the extremist-hit district last night, Superintendent of Police, Mayur Patel, told reporters.

A self-loaded pistol and three rounds of ammunition were recovered from the possession of Yadav, who joined the ultra group 14 years ago, Patel said.

Over 10 cases were pending against Yadav, who was also suspected to be involved in the blowing up of Harihargunj Block office in the district in December, 2011, Patel said, adding that several cases of extortion and Naxal-related cases were also pending against him in adjoining Bihar.

Yadav, a native of Jangwal village under Chatarpur Police Station of Palamau, was arrested when he was in Pandu police station limits to expand his organisation, he said.

The Palamau district police had launched a special operation led by Additional Superintendent of Police, Kanhaiya Singh against the ultras.