Latehar, July 23: Jharkhand Police arrested two alleged operatives of the banned People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) during a security operation in Latehar district on Thursday.
Officials said the accused were found carrying a firearm, ammunition and a stolen motorcycle.
According to police, the arrests were made after intelligence inputs indicated that two suspects were moving through the Balumath area with plans to engage in criminal activities, including allegedly intimidating local contractors and demanding extortion money.
A special police team launched a vehicle-checking drive at Makayatand following the tip-off.
On noticing the security personnel, the two suspects reportedly attempted to flee but were quickly intercepted and taken into custody.
During the search, police recovered a country-made pistol, a magazine, three live cartridges, two mobile phones and a motorcycle that was allegedly stolen.
The arrested men have been identified as Sanjay Singh, also known by the aliases Dimpu and Bhim Singh, a resident of Lohardaga district, and Shahzad Ansari, a resident of the Kudu area in Lohardaga district.
Police have registered a case under the relevant sections of law and are investigating the origin of the recovered weapon, the stolen motorcycle and the suspects’ alleged links to extremist activities.
Officials are also examining whether the duo had any involvement in previous criminal incidents in the region.
Security agencies said operations against banned extremist groups will continue to ensure law and order and prevent criminal activities in vulnerable areas of the state.
