Bokaro, July 31: The state government today announced Rs 10 lakh award on the head of a top Maoist leader, Mithilesh Mahto alias Duryodhan, who masterminded the attack at CCL's Khasmahal colliery where 24 trucks belonging to BJP MP Ravindra Pandey's firm were set on fire by rebels on the night of July 24.
Also, Bokaro police lodged an FIR against hardcore Maoists Santosh Mahto, Pryag alias Vivek, Chanchal and Adesh Mahto, apart from Duryodhan, whose names came to light during interrogation of the five Naxalites arrested yesterday from Nawadih zone, around 65km from Bokaro steel city.
One of the five arrested rebels, Santosh Prajapati - the husband of Parvati Devi, a district board member of Bokaro Thermal, and a Narainpur village resident - revealed the entire modus operandi of the attack that was aimed at teaching the MP a lesson for ignoring the Maoists' demand for levy.
Bermo DSP Neeraj Kumar said during interrogation, Prajapati had confessed to his involvement in the arson.
"The entire conspiracy was hatched at Prajapati's house. The top Maoist leaders, including Duryodhan, were present during the discussion. Later, the plan was communicated to other Maoists hiding in jungles through Prajapati's mobile phone," the DSP said.
Kumar added that the police had seized the mobile phone, which helped establish Prajapati's involvement.
Prajapati also revealed that Duryodhan, who was recently released from jail, Prayag and Chanchal were leading the mission.
"The Maoists carried out detailed recce of the colliery for seven days before finally going for the assault on July 24. Prajapati was also present at the site as the Maoists set 24 trucks on fire one by one," he revealed.
The DSP further said a case under Sections 147, 148, 149, 435, 436, 427, 387, 307 and 353 of the IPC had been lodged against all the accused.
Coal Belt DIG Shambhu Thakur, currently holding the charge of Bokaro SP, said Prajapati and the four others, who were arrested yesterday, acted as facilitators.
"Duryodhan was the kingpin and was present during the attack at Khasmahal colliery. The government has announced Rs 10 lakh on his head. Efforts are on to arrest all the five named accused in this case," Thakur said during a news conference at the Bokaro SP's office.
Talking about the joint anti-Naxalite operation launched yesterday across four districts of Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Giridih and Bokaro, Thakur said: "Security personnel will not return to their barracks until they flush out the Maoists from the region."
Maoist's Dumri sub-zonal commander Binod Manjhi, alias Ramlal Marandi, was arrested along Jamui-Giridih border on Friday night.
Giridih SP Kuldeep Diwvedi said Binod had been associated with the CPI(Maoist) organisation since 1992 and was involved in the ambush on Munger SP Surendra Babu in 2005 and Chilkhari massacre in 2007, in which Anup Marandi, the son of former chief minister Babulal Marandi, was killed.
"Binod has confessed to his involvement. He was wanted by police in Giridih, Nawada, Jamui and Munger (Bihar)West Singhbhum SP Michael Raj said Peter used to be an active PLFI member and left the outfit recently.
but the rebels thought he was a police informer as well. West Singhbhum SP Michael Raj and other senior officers inspected the site.
