Two Maoists Arrested, Arms Cache Seized in Jharkhand’s Latehar

In a significant operation against Left-wing extremism, police arrested two suspected Maoists and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from a forested area in Latehar district, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Manoj Lohra (26) and Mahadev Singh (24), are believed to be associated with the banned outfit Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad. They were apprehended from the Kurukheta forest region following a specific intelligence input, Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav said.

“Based on their interrogation, a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered. Further raids are underway to nab other members of the group,” the SP said.

Among the items seized were an AK-47 rifle, 318 cartridges, mobile phones, and SIM cards, indicating possible operational activity in the region.

An FIR has been registered against the duo, who have since been remanded to judicial custody. Police officials said the operation is part of intensified efforts to curb extremist activities in the district, which falls within the Maoist-affected belt.

Security forces continue to maintain vigil in the area as search operations are underway to dismantle the network.