Kolkata: Shraddha Biswas, a prominent Maoist leader with more than 20 FIRs registered against her in Jharkhand and West Bengal, was arrested on Tuesday by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force (STF). A resident of Chakdaha in Nadia district, she is believed to be a member of the Jharkhand Maoists regional committee and had a bounty of Rs 15 lakh on her head in the state.
Arrest and Background
Shraddha, also known by her alias Bela, was apprehended from the Cossipore area of Kolkata. While police have not disclosed the reason for her visit to the city, Left workers and rights activists have claimed that she had come to Kolkata for medical treatment. The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to crack down on Maoist activities in the region.
Surrender of Another Maoist
In a related development, Madhai Patra, a resident of Hooghly district and another Maoist operative active in Jharkhand, surrendered to the police. The surrender is seen as a significant step in the fight against left-wing extremism.
Police Statement
At a press conference held at the Alipore Bodyguard Lines on Tuesday, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand stated that interrogating Shraddha would provide crucial information about her activities in Kolkata. He emphasized that the police are committed to dismantling the Maoist network in the city and will take all necessary legal action.
The arrest of Shraddha Biswas is a major breakthrough for the Kolkata Police STF, which has been actively tracking Maoist operatives in the state. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
