India, July 19 -- A high-ranking Maoist operative, Ajay Mahato, was arrested during a joint security operation in Jharkhand on Sunday. The operation was planned and executed by the Giridih Police in coordination with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The arrested Maoist, who also goes by the alias Mochu, was a prominent member of the Special Area Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation.

Government Reward And Organisation Status Mahato was a highly wanted figure, the Jharkhand Government had previously announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh for any verifiable information leading directly to his apprehension.

Security agencies view his arrest as a significant breakthrough in counter-insurgency operations within the region...