Ashiq, also known as Manoj (26) and a native of Viyyur, Thrissur, was apprehended by the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) at Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, Kochi, on July 18th. He was reportedly returning from Brahmapuram near Kochi after collecting money to propagate Maoist ideologies. Currently, he is undergoing rigorous interrogation at the Anti-Terrorist Squad center in Nedumbasserry near Kochi International Airport. He was arrested while aboard a train heading back to Wayanad.
Manoj had gone underground in connection with the recovery of land mines from Makimala, Wayanad. He had been under surveillance by the Anti-Terror Squad, which enabled them to apprehend him. His mother had reportedly filed a complaint at the Kazhakkoottam Police Station stating that her son was missing and had links with Maoists. Since then, he had been under surveillance. It was also discovered that Manoj was an activist of Kabani Dalam, a group operating in Wayanad.
Manoj has been accused of fourteen cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He is reported to be one of the four remaining Maoists in Wayanad, alongside C.P. Moideen from Malappuram, Soman from Wayanad, and Santosh from Tamil Nadu. Reports are indicating that Maoists are operating in urban areas in various groups, with Manoj reported to be active among them. Common people are worried when they come across news regarding terrorists. However, a powerful Union Ministry presided over by Amit Shah is a silver lining for them in an otherwise cloudy atmosphere.
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