Top-ranking CPI-Maoist leader P Rama Rao alias Uday, who was arrested by Orissa police on Tuesday, has confessed to the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in Kandhamal on August 23, 2008.
Uday was arrested along with three of his Maoist associates from the Gudari jungles of Rayagada district in south Orissa on Tuesday.
Rayagada SP A.K. Singh told HT, “Uday has confessed to the killing of Swami Laxmanananda. He divulged details about how the operation was planned and executed.”
Sources said Uday during his interrogation revealed details of some of the major operations carried out by the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army, the military arm of the CPI-Maoist, in the state including the Swami killing and the raids on the Nayagarh police armouries in which 14 cops lost their lives in February 2008.
Crime Branch IGP Arun Ray said, “Uday along with Azad (another top ranking CPI-Maoist leader) masterminded the attack on the Jaleshpata Ashram where Swami Laxmanananda was staying on August 23, 2008.”
Uday joined the Naxals in 1991 and operated from Srikakulum district of Andhra Pradesh. After the police pressure increased in the southern state, he moved into Orissa.
{{/usCountry}}Uday joined the Naxals in 1991 and operated from Srikakulum district of Andhra Pradesh. After the police pressure increased in the southern state, he moved into Orissa.
{{/usCountry}}