Jharkhand Police Arrest Wanted Maoist Commander in Latehar Arms Raid

Jharkhand Police have arrested a sub-zonal commander of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) , a splinter group of CPI(Maoist) , during a raid in Latehar district, officials said.

The accused, identified as Viram Ram alias Vikram Ji and Arvind Ji , was apprehended from a house in the Chandwa police station area following specific intelligence inputs. Police said he attempted to evade arrest but was surrounded and taken into custody during the operation.

The 42-year-old has been active in the organisation for around 15 years and is reportedly involved in at least 16 criminal cases across Jharkhand , including extortion, firing incidents, and arson-related offences.

During the raid, police recovered a 9mm pistol, seven live cartridges, an Android mobile phone, and other electronic equipment . Officials said the recovery suggests continued operational communication with active cadres in the region.

According to police, the accused has been operating across multiple Maoist-affected areas of Jharkhand, including Latehar, Chatra, Keredari, Tandwa, and McCluskieganj belt , and is believed to have coordinated extortion activities targeting contractors, brick kiln operators, and local businesses.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that he had detailed knowledge of the group’s squad structure and supply chain network . He reportedly disclosed names of several associates, many of whom have already been arrested or killed in earlier encounters with security forces.

Police also said he is suspected to have used multiple aliases over the years to evade detection and maintain influence in different operational zones. His disclosures are now being used to map remaining TSPC logistics and support networks , including local collaborators providing shelter and resources.

Officials confirmed that a case has been registered at Burmu police station under relevant sections of the Arms Act and criminal laws. The accused has been produced before court and sent to judicial custody , while follow-up raids are underway based on interrogation leads.