Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, Jul 14: In a major breakthrough, Ranchi Police on Monday arrested four active members of the banned CPI (Maoist) group who were allegedly plotting to extort Rs 1 crore from local businesses in Jharkhand.
The accused — Yogendra Ganjhu alias Pawan, Mukesh Ganjhu, Manu Ganjhu, and Rajkumar Nahak — were apprehended during a police raid near the Bakshi Bangla Chatti river in the Khalari and McCluskieganj police station limits, based on a tip-off.
Briefing the media, Ranchi DIG and SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha said the Maoists were preparing to demand levy from contractors, brick kiln owners, and businessmen in central and western Jharkhand.
Police recovered a loaded country-made pistol, three live cartridges, Maoist literature, and mobile phones used for extortion threats during the operation.
Among the arrested, Yogendra Ganjhu was identified as a veteran Maoist operative active since 2006, with at least 10 criminal cases registered against him across Latehar, Balumath, Garu, and Panki. He had been released from prison in 2022. His accomplice, Mukesh Ganjhu, also faces multiple criminal charges in Palamu, Latehar, and Lohardaga districts.
Police disclosed that on June 25, the group had threatened a staffer at the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), demanding Rs 1 crore and warning of dire consequences if the payment was not made by July 2. An FIR was filed at Khalari police station regarding the incident.
SSP Sinha issued a strong warning, stating, “Anyone involved in Maoist activity or illegal extortion will face the full force of the law. Our operations will continue without let-up.”
The arrests mark another blow to the Maoist extortion network in Jharkhand, which has long targeted the mining and infrastructure sectors.