Bhubaneswar: Dreaded Maoist leader Kovvasi Somda, alias Mukesh, Action Team Commander of Konta Area Committee, DKSZC CPI (Maoist), was arrested by Chinturu Police in a forest in Alluri Sitharamaraju (ASR) district of Andhra Pradesh.
The arrest was made possible through a joint operation by Andhra and Odisha Police and CRPF. As part of anti-naxal operations, ASR District Police, Odisha Police, and CRPF carried out combing in the Kalleru forest area.
Kovvasi Somda was apprehended by the police when he, along with other sympathizers, was carrying explosive items in the forest area to kill security forces.
The 33-year-old naxal leader, a resident of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, had been actively involved with the Maoist party since December 2014. He initially joined as a member of the Agriculture Team of Konta Area Committee and later underwent military training in September 2016. Over the years, he held various positions within the party, including being a guard to Madakam Arjun and coordinator of the Militia in Konta.
The accused was found in possession of explosive items, including electrical detonators, hand grenades, iron pieces, slurry sticks, batteries, cordex wire, and electrical wire, which were intended to be used to kill security forces. Mukesh was involved in several serious cases pending in different police stations, including Chinturu Police Station, Yetapaka Police Station, Maredumilli Police Station of Andhra Pradesh, and Bejji Police Station in Chhattisgarh.
Amit Bardar, Superintendent of Police, warned that strict action would be taken against anyone collaborating with the banned Maoist party or engaging in anti-social activities.
Several senior police officers, including the Malkangiri Additional SP, were present during the press conference.
