Bhubaneswar, June 1 (IANS): Police Sunday arrested a local area commander of the Communist Party of India-Maoist in Odisha's Koraput district, an official said.
"Mino Hikoka, 28, was apprehended from a forested area during a raid conducted by a joint team of the police and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel," Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar told IANS.
Hikoka was wanted for more than 20 heinous crimes, including murders of several innocent tribals in Nayayanpatna area of the district.
He was the area commander of the Srikakulam-Koraput divisional committee of the CPI-Maoist, the police officer said.
"At least 16 non-bailable warrants (NBW) were pending against him. These warrants include various murder cases from 2009 to till date," he said.
Hikoka's arrest will be very helpful in containing the Maoist menace in the area and in ensuring peace and security of the people. Koraput, over 500 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, is a Maoist stronghold.