Four Maoist ultras arrested, explosives seized

Malkangiri: Four Maoist ultras allegedly involved in many crimes including murder, were today arrested in Malkangiri district with a huge quantity of explosive materials.

The ultras, active in Maoist activities for the last over eight years, were captured from Tekguda forest area under Kalimela police station limits during a joint combing by the SOG and police personnel, Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said.

As many as 825 pieces of gelatine sticks weighing around 110 kg were seized from the red rebels, who operated as militia members in Malkangiri division under Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) outfit, he said.

Stating that the gelatine sticks were apparently kept for some major attack, police said the arrested ultras were involved in a number of offences including killings, landmine blasts and loot in the region.

They were identified as Ramanath Madkami (24), Jaga Madhi (25), Waga Madkami (28) and Soma Madkami (24).

Meanwhile, combing operation was intensified and borders with Chhattisgarh sealed to prevent infiltration of Maoists from the neighbouring state where anti-Naxal drive has been stepped up, the police said.