Rayagada: In a major breakthrough, two persons were arrested for allegedly impersonating Maoists and attempting to create panic by placing fake Naxal banners and posters at several in Odisha’s Rayagada district.
The accused have been identified as Anubrata Bara alias Ranju, reported to be a web channel journalist from Rayagada town, and Bali Majhi from Kanjammanda village in Kashipur area.
Police said both were taken into custody on Sunday after a thorough investigation into the sudden appearance of Maoist banners in the district.
Notably, Maoist banners appeared at three dif
ferent places in Rayagada district on February 13, with several companies also receiving threats purportedly issued in the name of Maoist groups.
The sudden development sparked concern among local residents and authorities, prompting an immediate probe. Preliminary investigations showed that the banners and posters were fake, having no connection to any active Maoist faction.
Further investigation later revealed that these two had orchestrated the printing and display of these fabricated posters to create fear and disrupt public order in the area.
It was also found that Bali Majhi had been arrested earlier in a Naxal-related case and had served a jail sentence. Authorities are now investigating whether his past involvement is linked to the current case.
Additional Superintendent of Police Amulya Kumar Dhar said further investigation is underway following the arrest of the two to uncover the motive behind the act and ascertain possible involvement of others in the incident.