THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 29: In a breakthrough in its anti-Naxal operations, Ranchi Police have arrested Amrit Horo alias Mecho alias Surya, the state chief of the banned People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), who was carrying a reward of ₹10 lakh on his head.
Police recovered an automatic pistol, four live cartridges, three mobile phones and PLFI pamphlets from his possession during the operation.
Arrest Following Intelligence Input
According to police, Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Ranjan received specific intelligence that Amrit Horo and his associates were hiding in the Mahugaon forest area under Lapung police station limits and were allegedly planning a major Naxalite attack.
Acting on the information, a special team was constituted under the supervision of Rural SP Gaurav Goswami and led by Bero DSP Deepak Kumar.
Late on Thursday night, the police team launched a raid, cordoned off the forest area and apprehended Horo.
Active in Naxal Operations for 16 Years
During interrogation, Horo allegedly identified himself as the PLFI state chief. Police said he had been active in Jharkhand for nearly 16 years and was involved in several Naxalite-related activities, including attacks, firing incidents, arson and extortion.
SSP Rakesh Ranjan said Horo and his associates routinely demanded levy (extortion money) from businessmen, contractors and influential persons through phone calls and social media platforms.
Over 50 Criminal Cases Registered
Police records show that more than 50 criminal cases are registered against Horo in districts including Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Lohardaga and West Singhbhum.
The cases include charges related to murder, extortion, firing incidents, levy collection and other extremist activities.
Describing the arrest as a significant success, Ranchi Police said the capture of Amrit Horo has dealt a major blow to the banned outfit.
“With the arrest of Amrit Horo, the leadership structure of PLFI has been almost completely dismantled,” police officials said.