Top Maoist leader held in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, April 06: A top Maoist leader Chenda Bhusan alias Ghasi alias Katru, involved in most of the major Maoist attacks in Orissa and carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head, has been arrested from Koraput district.

Katru, a member of the Andhra-Orissa Zonal Committee of the Maoists, has about 60 criminal cases against him in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Inspector General of Police South-Western Range, S Priyadarshi said.

He was also accused of raising funds in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, the DIG said.

Andhra Pradesh government had announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh on him, police sources said.

Katru was sent to judicial custody today after rejection of his bail prayer.

–Agencies