Sambalpur, Nov. 9: Police here have arrested three close aides of Maoists yesterday. They have been identified as Rohit Chhura, 19, Kusa Bhoi, 45, and Satyanarayana Bhoi, 35.

“They have been arrested for harbouring Maoists in this region. They had also helped the rebels in an attack on a crusher unit of ARSS Construction Company at Munder under Jujomura police limits recently,” said Sambalpur police superintendent Nikhil Kanodia.

Kusa and Satyanarayana were earlier arrested for their alleged involvement in Maoist activities. Kusha was in jail for two years, while Satyanarayana was imprisoned for three years, said a source in the police. The Maoists had attacked the crusher unit on October 25 and torched 27 vehicles. The police had earlier arrested Arta Bhoi, an armed cadre of the Maoist organisation, in this connection.

“Rohit Chhura of Khaliapali under Jujomura police limits was working as a helper in a mobile phone tower. He was passing on information to the rebels about the ARSS crusher unit. He had stayed there for three to four days and gave detailed information to the rebels. He was assisting Arta Bhoi in making a plan to attack the ARSS crusher unit,” said Kanodia.

Arta Bhoi had allegedly allured Rohit to help the Maoist organisation. Arta had also promised Rohit enrolment in the Maoist organisation.

“Kusa Bhoi of Mudtal was found in a suspicious circumstance during combing operation. During the investigation, he has confessed to his involvements with the Maoists. We have also recovered 2.4kg gun powder from him. Kusa was earlier jailed for two years. He has three cases in his name in Jujomura police station. Earlier, he was arrested for alleged involvement in cases of murder and robbery. However, he was later released on bail. His son runs a grocery shop in the village, from where he was informing the Maoists about the movements of the police,” Kanodia said.

The third person, Satyanarayana, was a native of Barloi. But, he was staying at his in-laws’ house at Jhankarbahali under the limits of Dhama police station of Sambalpur district. He had allegedly helped the Maoists to organise a camp there. He had two cases in his name in Kisinda police station of Sambalpur district.

“All the three have confessed to their involvement with the Maoists. Nobody had ever intimidated them to help the Maoists. They had extended a helping hand towards the rebels voluntarily,” said the police officer.