An active militia member of the Galikonda area committee of the CPI (Maoist) was arrested in a joint operation by the police and CRPF near Thangulagondhi area under GK Veedhi police station limits, in the Agency area of Visakhapatnam district, on Monday night. The arrested militia member has been identified as Gemmili Kesava Rao alias Kesu. According to Superintendent of Police, Visakhapatnam District, Koya Praveen, he had joined the Maoist movement about nine years ago and was involved in over 20 cases and carried a reward of Rs. 1 lakh on his head. OSD Narsipatnam Vishal Gunni informed The Hindu that Kesu was involved in the murder of Seenderi Karla at Rallagedda in 2014, Killo Rambabu and Ram Mohana Rao at Johar Ghat in 2013, Gemmili Chinna Rao at Sapparla in 2013 and Vanthala Raju at Lakkavarapupeta in 2013.
This apart, he was involved in major famine raids at Kunkumpudi and Cheekatimamidi in 2013 and blasting of Chapagedda pulper unit and Pedavalasa coffee godown, said Mr. Gunni.
The arrest is being termed by the police as a big setback to the Maoist movement in the agency area of Visakhapatnam.