State police is on hot pursuit of CPI (Maoist) zonal commander Ravindra Ganjhu who is invloved in arson and violence with the intention to extort money in the name of levy.
Based on specific information about his presence, the Lohardaga police led by SP Priyadharshi Alok on Sunday conducted an operation under the Kisku police station area leading to a fierce encounter with the extremists.
During the search operation launched after the Maoists fled, police have recovered large quantity of material including codex wires and other ingredients of making explosives, walkie talkie, interceptors, bags, food grain and utensils from the spot.
Police claimed that one of the extremists has also been hit by bullet during the encounter. It may be stated here that police also had an encounter with the same squad under the Jowang police station area on November 30 in which a rifle was recovered.
Police said after the surrender of Nakul Yadav, Ravindra Ganjhu was trying to extend the Maoist’s influence in Lohardaga, Latehar and Gumla districts. He was an accused in burning of trucks carrying bauxite in Lohardaga in October 2017.
“He is trying to create fear among people and the industrialists in order to get levy from them. After Nakul’s surrender many people have stopped giving the extortion money to Maoists,” said Alok Priyadahrshi.
Inspector general (Operation) Ashis Batra said police have been carrying out frequent operation against Ganjhu and his squad, in the past few days.
The state government has also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his arrest, he said.