Security Forces Capture Wanted Maoist in Latehar, Find AK‑56, Pistol and Over 200 Rounds

Latehar police announced the capture of Ravindra Gangu, a high‑ranking Maoist operative with a ₹20 million bounty, after a successful operation on Tuesday. The raid, executed by a joint task force of police and the Cobra‑209 battalion, uncovered a cache that included an AK‑56 assault rifle, a pistol, another rifle and 239 cartridges.

Authorities disclosed that Gangu has been an active member of the Maoist cadre for 16 years, accused of the murder of 18 police officers and linked to more than 154 criminal cases involving insurgent violence, explosives and weapon looting across several districts. The SP reiterated that continued security sweeps are weakening the rebel group and urged any remaining militants to surrender and benefit from the government's reintegration program.