A Maoist sympathiser Lingaraj Azad of Lalam village under the Kalahandi Sadar police station was arrested by police in connection with a Lanjigarh police station case. Azad is one of the main over ground activists, supporting the Maoists. He is also an activist of Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti. He created unrest in the district by organising meetings against bauxite mining in Niyamagiri area and mobilising leaders like Ladda Sikaka, Drenzu of Rayagada district, Krishna of Trilochanpur village of Kalahandi district and scores of Dongria Kondh tribals in the locality. Recently he organised rallies against setting up of a CRPF camp at Trilochanpur.
Recently massive search operation and raids were initiated by Kalahandi police at the behest of DGP Dr RPSharma to nab anti-socials, Maoist sympathisers and other disturbing elements before the elections. DGP Sharma has appreciated the effort of the Kalhandi police and asked district SP to further intensify the search and raids for smooth and peaceful election.