Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Nov 7: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a wanted Maoist from Jharkhand, carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, from the Thakurli area near Dombivli in Thane district.

The arrested accused has been identified as Sanjay Saroj Yadav, alias Sanjay Godarai, alias Budhram, aged 45. The Jharkhand government had announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

According to preliminary information, the ATS acted on a specific intelligence input and traced Yadav to Thakurli, where he had allegedly been staying under a concealed identity for around 10 days. He is a resident of Palamu district in Jharkhand.

His arrest during the Diwali period has raised security concerns, as a Maoist carrying such a substantial bounty was found in an urban area of Thane district.

The ATS is now investigating the circumstances that brought him to Maharashtra, including whom he was in contact with in Thakurli and whether he had links with other Maoist groups or local individuals.

Officials are also probing his possible activities and the purpose of his stay in the state. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.