Five hardcore insurgents, including an area commander of the TPC (Tritiya Prastuti Committee), were arrested in a joint operation by Jharkhand Police and CRPF in Hazaribagh district. Recovered from the insurgents were an American-made M-4 carbine, locally made shotguns, pistols, live ammunition, and Naxalite literature.
The arrests were made while the group was planning a major violent act. The timely operation by the police foiled a large-scale terrorist plot.
Precise Operation Based on Intelligence
Police received intelligence that the TPC area commander and his associates were encamped near Charhi forest in Hazaribagh and were planning an attack on a government facility or contractor. Following the intelligence, a joint operation was launched by Hazaribagh Police, the 22nd Battalion of CRPF, and the SOG.
In the two-hour-long search operation, the insurgents were surrounded and forced to surrender. No shots were fired, but a large quantity of weapons and documents were seized.
American Carbine Most Striking Among Recovered Weapons
Among the weapons recovered from the arrested insurgents, the most notable is an M-4 carbine rifle, typically used by the US military. Additionally:
- 1 locally made pistol
- 2 shotguns
- More than 30 live cartridges
- Documents related to TPC propaganda
- A diary containing maps and plans
- These clearly indicate that these insurgents were planning a major incident for a considerable time.
Arrested Area Commander Has Over 15 Cases Registered Against Him
The main accused has been identified as Mohit Uraon, alias 'Commander Mohit', the area commander of the TPC's Hazaribagh-Chatra zone. He has more than 15 serious cases registered against him, including murder, extortion, attacks on police, and levy collection. Other arrested insurgents include:
- Rajesh Ganjhu
- Ramu Kharwar
- Shiv Kumar Uraon
- Bablu Munda
All of them hail from various Naxal-affected districts of Jharkhand and have been active in the organization for a long time.
Police Statement: Major Plot Averted
Hazaribagh SP Ankur Gupta stated in a press conference that they had received input that TPC members were planning to target contractors and officials involved in government projects. Swift action prevented a major terrorist incident. The SP also mentioned that this operation exemplifies the excellent coordination between state and central agencies and that such operations will continue.
The TPC is one of Jharkhand's Naxalite organizations that primarily extorts levies from construction works, coal projects, and contractors. The organization also engages in intimidating innocent villagers and disrupting government schemes to assert its dominance. A reward of ₹5 lakh had been announced by the government for Mohit Uraon's arrest; his capture is a significant blow to the organization.
