Bhubaneswar: In a significant breakthrough, Rourkela police have arrested notorious Maoist operative Vishu Singh (58), a resident of Aamjharan village under K. Bolang police limits Sundargarh District. Singh, long considered a major headache for security forces, was wanted in several violent Maoist-related incidents, including deadly IED blasts, landmine explosions, and the looting of explosives.
The arrest was announced at a press conference held at Rourkela Police Headquarters by DIG (Western Range) Brajesh Rai, who described Singh as a “key player” in sustaining Maoist activities in the region. According to Rai, Singh not only actively participated in violent incidents but also acted as an informer and facilitator for the Maoist network. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in multiple cases. Singh has been produced before court.
DIG Rai revealed that Singh played a role in the June 14 IED blast in Saranda forest, within K. Bolang limits, in which a CRPF jawan was critically injured and later succumbed to injuries at Rourkela Apollo Hospital. Singh was also linked to the August 3 serial landmine blasts along the Bimalagarh–Karampada railway line on the Odisha–Jharkhand border.
The first blast, near Karampada station around 6:40 am, damaged railway tracks, while a second explosion near Rajenda station at 10:05 am killed railway patrolling staffer Edua Oram (57), a resident of Rourkela’s Bisra area. The third blast occurred around 5:50 pm inside Karampada railway yard, just 500 meters from a CRPF camp, sparking panic across the area.
Police further stated that Singh was involved in assisting Maoists in looting explosives from a stone quarry in Banki area. He was also accused of putting up Maoist posters to spread propaganda and instill fear among local residents. These activities, officials noted, kept security forces engaged in prolonged counter-insurgency operations in the belt.
“Singh’s arrest is a major blow to the Maoist network operating in the region,” DIG Rai said. “It will help the police dismantle the supply chain of explosives and foil further conspiracies.”
The press conference was also attended by Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani, Railway SP Praful Chandra Badajena, and Bonai SDPO Ramchandra Biswal. The officials hailed the operation as a milestone in the state police’s fight against red terrorism.
Security experts believe Singh’s arrest will demoralise Maoist cadres, as the affected areas of Sundargarh and nearby districts have long remained under the influence of Naxal activities. With this arrest, the police expect to gain vital intelligence on the Maoists’ local network and future strategies.
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