Mumbai, March 21: In a significant police operation in Simdega district, authorities have arrested nine militants linked to the banned organization, People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI). This action comes in response to a planned arson attack on a road construction camp operated by SRMV DP (JV).
According to police reports, the militants were involved in a conspiracy to extort money through illegal levies. The targeted camp, located in the Karimata Pangur area, was set to be attacked on the night of January 25-26, 2026.
The militants intended to set fire to vehicles at the camp to instill fear in the community and pressure the company into paying extortion fees. However, timely intelligence allowed the police to intervene, preventing a potentially catastrophic incident. Following the event, a case was registered at the Jaldega police station under case number 05/26, and an investigation was launched.
Under the direction of Superintendent of Police Shrikant S. Khotre, a special team was formed to conduct a series of raids based on technical evidence and human intelligence. This operation led to the arrest of the nine PLFI militants.
The arrested individuals include Justin Topno alias James Topno, Herman Topno, Karan Lohra, Siddhant Kumar Chik Baraiak, Dinesh Barwa, Mangal Topno, Ashish Minj, and Amit Kumar. Police have accused them of playing active roles in the conspiracy.
Additionally, police recovered ten mobile phones from the arrested militants. Investigations are underway to analyze these devices for information about the organization’s network, contacts, and other accomplices. Early findings suggest that the militants were also planning to target other local establishments and construction projects in the area. All accused have been remanded to judicial custody as of Friday.
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