RANCHI: Following an extensive crackdown on Maoists in Jharkhand, police have intensified operations against splinter outfits and arrested People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) chief Amrit Horo, who carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head.
After the arrest of PLFI supremo Dinesh Gope by the NIA and the subsequent encounter killing of Martin Kerketta in Gumla, Amrit Horo had assumed leadership of the outfit. In recent months, he had allegedly been involved in demanding levy (extortion money) after carrying out criminal activities across several districts, including Ranchi and Khunti.
According to police, a special Ranchi Police team arrested Horo after receiving local intelligence inputs and conducting prolonged surveillance following reports that he had attended a marriage ceremony at his native place in Lapung.
Based on the information, a special team comprising the Quick Response Team (QRT) and other police personnel was formed. The area was cordoned off and Horo was arrested in a late-night planned operation.
Police said Horo had frequently changed hideouts to evade arrest and remained active in the bordering areas of Ranchi and Khunti. He has now been taken to a secret location for interrogation to gather information about his network, accomplices and the activities of the organisation. Khunti Police is also expected to question him.
Several serious cases have been registered against Horo in Ranchi, Khunti and neighbouring districts, including charges related to extortion, collection of protection money from construction sites and railway projects, arson, firing incidents and involvement in encounters with police.
According to police records, Horo had been involved in insurgent activities for several years and was considered a top commander within the organisation. Around one-and-a-half years ago, security forces had engaged in an encounter with him, but he managed to escape by taking advantage of the dense forest and hilly terrain.
Police believe his arrest will significantly impact the PLFI’s network and financial operations. Though there has been no official confirmation yet, Ranchi Police is expected to provide more details after the interrogation concludes.