Security enhanced in jail as top Maoist leader sent to prison

Ghasi who was arrested on April 5 was in police custody since Thursday.

“For interrogation we had sought a five day remand of Ghasi from the court and after completion of interrogation, he was produced in the court. He has been sent to jail after his bail plea was rejected,” Koraput superintendent of police Anup Kumar Sahoo said.

Meanwhile, fearing a backlash over the arrest of the Maoist leader, security has been strengthened across the district.

Extra forces have been deployed at few strategic locations and security has been beefed up at the district jail where the Maoist leader was lodged.

“Arrest of Ghasi is a major setback for the Maoist organisation and there is every possibility of retaliation from the rebels. Extra security measures have been taken and presently the situation is under control. Security personnel have been kept on high alert,” the SP said.

Ghasi was involved in over 200 Maoist offensives in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh and the neighbouring government had announced a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh on his head, the police said.