In a major success for security forces, senior CPI (Maoist) leader Misir Besra, carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore on his head, has been arrested in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district. Besra, considered one of the most senior remaining leaders of the banned Maoist organisation, was taken into custody during a joint operation by security agencies.
According to officials, the arrest took place in the Barwadda Police Station area of Dhanbad. The operation involved personnel from the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit of the CRPF along with state police teams. Along with Besra, four other suspected Maoist cadres were also arrested, including two individuals identified as Maoist operatives.
Misir Besra was a senior member of the CPI (Maoist) Politburo and had been among the most wanted Maoist leaders in Jharkhand. Security agencies had been tracking him for years due to his alleged involvement in several Maoist activities and organisational operations. A reward of Rs 1 crore had been announced for information leading to his arrest.
The arrest is being viewed as a major setback for the Maoist network in Jharkhand, where security forces have intensified operations against left-wing extremism. Officials said that Besra’s interrogation could provide important information about the organisation’s structure, movement of cadres and future plans.
Jharkhand has remained one of the key areas affected by Maoist activities, with several districts witnessing security operations over the years. The state police and central forces have been conducting coordinated campaigns to weaken the Maoist presence and encourage surrender among cadres.
The arrest comes at a time when security agencies are focusing on eliminating the remaining top leadership of CPI (Maoist). Several high-ranking Maoist commanders have either been arrested, killed in operations or surrendered in recent years, weakening the group’s organisational strength in many regions.
Officials said further investigation is underway to examine Besra’s alleged role in Maoist activities and identify possible links with other underground members. The arrested individuals are expected to be questioned regarding the group’s network, funding channels and operational plans.
The Jharkhand Police and central security forces have described the operation as a significant achievement in their ongoing fight against Maoist insurgency in the state.
