In a major success against left-wing extremism, Gadchiroli Police have arrested a hardcore Maoist who was conducting reconnaissance in Tadgaon forest with the intent of carrying out subversive activities.
The arrested cadre, identified as Shankar Bhima Mahaka (32), resident of Parayanar, Bhamragad, Gadchiroli, is a member of the Bhamragad Dalam. He has been actively involved in several violent incidents, including murder, arson, and IED blasts. The Maharashtra government had announced a cash reward of ₹2 lakh for his arrest, and he was also wanted in a murder case under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Details of the Arrest
On September 13, 2025, two special anti-Maoist squads were carrying out operations in Tirkameta forest under Tadgaon Police Post (Bhamragad subdivision). During the search, the teams spotted a suspicious person roaming in the area. On interrogation at the Pranhita police sub-headquarters, he was identified as Shankar Bhima Mahaka.
Further investigation revealed that he was conducting a recce of the area to plan an attack. He has been booked under Crime No. 01/2022 at Laheri Police Station related to the arson of 19 vehicles worth ₹2 crore engaged in road construction work between Dhorraj and Irpanar on January 21, 2022.
In total, four serious cases are registered against him:
Arson (1 case): In 2022, involved in torching vehicles on Dhorraj–Irpanar road.
Murder (1 case): Direct involvement in the 2023 killing of an innocent villager in Pengunda.
Other offences (2 cases): Linked with various subversive and violent activities.
Maoist Career Background
Worked in the Maoist organization as a Jan Militia member (2016–2021/22).
Recruited as a member of Bhamragad Dalam in 2021–22.
Since 2022, operated in Parayanar and surrounding forests, collecting intelligence on police movement and assisting dalam members in violent acts.
Police Statement
This successful operation was carried out under the leadership of IG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sandeep Patil, DIG (Gadchiroli Range) Ankit Goyal, SP Gadchiroli Neelotpal, Addl. SP (Operations) M. Ramesh, Addl. SP Aheri (Pranhita) Satya Sai Kartik, DySP (Operations) Vishal Nagargoje, and SDPO Bhamragad Ajay Kokate, along with special anti-Maoist squads.
SP Neelotpal stated that anti-Maoist operations will be intensified in the region and once again appealed to Maoists to shun violence, surrender, and join the mainstream to live a dignified life.
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