Cops alert as Maoists seek Covid care

Ailing extremists asked to surrender, more districts on watch

The police have intensified surveillance against Maoists entering Telangana from bordering states for Covid-19 treatment. According to intelligence reports, hundreds of Maoists have contracted the Coronavirus and some of them are entering the state for treatment.

Districts where surveillance has been increased include Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu. In a proactive measure, Telangana police have appealed to extremists, who have contracted Covid-19, to surrender; so that they can be admitted to hospitals for proper treatment.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Bhadradri Kothagudem superintendent of police Sunil Dutt said, “We have information that Maoists have been severely affected by the second wave of Covid19. In past four days, we arrested seven extremists, five of whom tested positive. It clearly shows the impact Coronavirus among Maoists.”

On May 25, Charla police of Bhadradri Kothagudem, along with CRPF, were carrying out combing operations in forest when they came across some militia members who tried to flee. However, police chased and arrested them. They were sent for medical examination and three of them tested positive for Covid-19.

On May 27, police was checking vehicles near Hanuman temple in Manuguru. They found three persons carrying explosives. Their interrogation revealed that they had admitted Aithu alias Ramaih, commander of the Maoists’ tech team, into a private hospital as he had Coronavirus. When police reached the hospital, they got to know that Aithu had already died. Among the three Maoists held, two tested positive.

Following these two incidents, police have intensified their surveillance on Maoists in border districts. Usually, Maoists enter Telangana from Chhattisgarh area by crossing Indravati River in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Likewise, they cross Pranahitha River and enter Mancherial district.