Gumla, Aug 18: Security forces have arrested four alleged members of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), including a sub-zonal commander carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh, during an operation in Gumla district, police said.The arrested man has been identified as Ramdev Lohra alias Ramdev Oraon, who was allegedly involved in the activities of the extremist outfit and had a reward announced by the Jharkhand government for information leading to his capture.
Three other alleged members of the group were also arrested during the operation.Police identified them as Arvind Nayak, an alleged area commander from Kone village in Latehar district, Muneshwar Singh of Kita Makka village in Lohardaga district, and Jitendra Lohra, a resident of Ujra village under Dumri police station in Gumla.
According to police, the operation followed intelligence inputs that Lohra and members of his group were moving near Akashi and Jairagi villages under Dumri police station.The security personnel subsequently formed a special team and launched a search operation in the area. The suspects were surrounded and taken into custody, police said.
A quantity of arms and communication equipment was allegedly recovered from the arrested persons.The seizure included an AK-56 rifle with a magazine, an SLR rifle, a semi-automatic rifle, a walkie-talkie and eight mobile phones, besides other articles, police said.Officials said the arrests represent a significant development in efforts to weaken the organisational network of the JJMP and prevent extremist activities in the region.
Investigators are now examining the alleged activities of the arrested persons, their communication networks and possible links with other members of the outfit. Further investigation is underway, police said.
