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Maoists’ top IT expert killed in Jharkhand
RANCHI: Security forces in Jharkhand gunned down top Maoist leader Ashish alias Asheeshan, who mastered and led the rebels’ information technology wing and carried
RANCHI: Security forces in Jharkhand gunned down top Maoist leader Ashish alias Asheeshan, who mastered and led the rebels’ information technology wing and carried a reward of `25 lakh on his head, at his hideout inside Palkot jungles in Gumla district on Sunday.
Ashish, in his early thirties, was a member of the ultra-group’s special area committee (SAC), which forms the third rung in the organisation after the politburo and central committee.
While his elimination is a huge achievement for the 18-month old BJP ruled government in its war against Left-wing extremism, it’s a damage for the insurgent group that has been suffering successive losses at the hands of forces.
“He was number two among the present Maoist leadership, controlling the urban activities in the state,” DGP DK Pandey said.
“He was indeed a technical expert who trained new recruits in IT and handling explosives,” inspector general of police (IG) and police spokesperson MS Bhatia said.
From January to August this year, forces have arrested around 100 Maoists, of whom 37 are listed as quality arrests.
