Banka, Oct. 9: Panchu Khera, a sub-zonal commander of CPI(Maoist) of Godda-Banka zone, was arrested today. Khera had unleashed terror in the region by collecting levy forcibly from contractors and businessmen.

According to Vikas Burman, the Banka superintendent of police, the arrested rebel has disclosed several information during police interrogation. “After the arrested Maoist provided us with information, we are hopeful to have more breakthroughs,” Burman said.

He added that the police have recovered one revolver, three live cartridges, detonator and handbills from Khera. A joint team of Belhar police and 131 battalion of CRPF raided an abundant brick kiln located inside the Pipratilha forest near Chitkhor Naiyasi under Belhar police station yesterday.

“We got some information that a group of armed Maoists had assembled at the forest to conspire some activity. We, along with the CRPF, raided the forest. Other Maoists managed to escape while Khera was caught red-handed,” said Monoranjan Bharati, the station house officer of Belhar police station.

He added that Khera was wanted for his connection in Majhidehi incident and many such carnage.

In his confessional statement, Khera revealed before the police that he used to settle old land disputes of the villagers in the region with the help of Bholu Murmu another Maoist from Dadhiyantari. He also used to collect extortion money from road construction companies and had also killed dozens of people who tried to violate the orders of the Maoists, Khera told the police.