The arrest of top Maoist leader Birbal Murmu has triggered a race among police in three districts to become the first one to take the prized catch in remand.
Birbal, the CPI(Maoist) “sub-zonal commander” of the Lakshmipur-Barhet area, was arrested on June 8. His arrest has sparked a mad race within the police ranks. Birbal, alias Sukdeo, alias Panchu Murmu, was wanted by Banka, Munger and Jamui police for his involvement in more than 50 criminal cases in the three districts.
The police had on June 11 unearthed a huge cache of explosives from the rebels’ hideouts inside the Banka and Munger forests following a tip-off from the rebel leader.
Birbal is at present in the transit remand of Banka police. Vikash Barman, the Banka superintendent of police, told reporters on Tuesday evening that after interrogating Birbal, the cops and CRPF personnel found 200 gelatine wires, 60-detonators, two condensers, six bundles of electric wire, 15kg can bombs, 25kg explosive powder and 12volt batteries from the two forests.
Now, the three units of police are bent on taking Birbal into remand to extract more information about Maoist links in their respective districts. Barman said Birbal was an expert in collecting levy for the organisation. “There are 14 cases registered against him in different police stations in Banka,” Barman said.
According to Jamui superintendent of police Upendra Sharma, more than 15 serious cases were pending against Birbal.
“He was the in-charge of the April 13, 2008, shootout in which armed Maoists raided the Jhajha Government Railway Police post at Jhajha railway station. Six GRP personnel were killed and the Maoists also looted arms,” he said.
Birbal was also involved in Kodasi valley carnage in Kajra under Lakhisarai where seven policemen were killed, including Lucas Tete.
He said Birbal was indeed a big catch for the Jamui police as he masterminded carnages and operated the organisation in the rural parts of the district.
A source said the Munger police are also pulling up their socks to take Birbal in remand. Birbal is wanted by the Munger police in 15 cases.
“Birbal’s name figured in the murder of five persons in Haveli Kharagpur police station area. The Munger police would take him in remand first to investigate the case,” the source said.
