A CPI (Maoist) leader accused in over a dozen cases was arrested on Tuesday by Giridih police.

Rakesh Marandi was carrying several important documents which the police confiscated.

Khorimahua subdivisional police officer (SDPO) Navin Kumar Singh said Marandi was arrested from a nearby forest where he was holding a meeting with Maoist members by the joint anti-Naxalite combing team of state police and 7th CRPF battalion.

“The police and paramilitary forces were carrying out search operations in the area after a tip-off about a squad of 20-25 armed Naxalites holding meeting in Kulmungri forest. When cops reached the place, the Naxalites opened fire on them. In retaliation, the combing team returned fire. The Naxalites soon dispersed and ran towards the forest. During the pursuit, Marandi was arrested by the combing team officers,” said the SDPO.

The SDPO said the arrested Naxalite was a resident of Rajadumar village under Bhelwaghati police station area of Giridih.

Marandi worked as a member of the Santhal Pargana zonal committee of CPI (Maoist) and was a member of the technical team of the rebel organisation.

Kumar said that the arrested rebel leader has admitted his involvement in several cases related to Naxal activities in and around Giridih and Dhanbad.

The police claimed that it was a major breakthrough for the force. Marandi was evading arrest by Giridih and other district police forces for several years. The police also recovered important documents from him.

Singh said Marandi was wanted in several cases, including looting and extortion.

He was active in Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Giridih and Ranchi. He has given vital information regarding Naxal activities in the region.