Maoist carrying Rs.50,000 bounty held in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW - A Maoist who carried a reward of Rs.50,000 for his capture has been arrested from a forest area in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district, a police official said Monday.

Ram Sajeevan alias Guruji, 50, was arrested Sunday night from the Jachikala forest after a gunfight that continued for over an hour, Superintendent of Police Pritendra Singh told reporters.

At least 30 criminal cases were pending against Sajeevan in the state, he added.

“Sajeevan’s arrest is very important. We believe he can provide us vital clues to nab other Naxalites (Maoists) operating in Uttar Pradesh,” said Singh.