East Midnapore5 minutes ago
Four decades after going underground, CPI (Maoist) leader Asim Mondal, alias Akash, Timir and Manoj, has been arrested by the Kolkata Police Task Force in West Bengal.
According to police sources, Mondal was arrested early Thursday from an area in Patashpur, East Midnapore, while allegedly going to collect travel money from a person known to him. Two bags containing Maoist literature, pamphlets and electronic equipment were reportedly recovered from him. The state police have not yet officially announced the arrest.
Police arrest Asim in Patashpur
Mondal, a resident of Phulchak under Chandrakona police station in West Midnapore, became involved in ultra-left activities during his student years in the 1980s. He later joined the People’s War Group and worked in Sarenga and Goaltore in Bengal, as well as Ghurabandha in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand.
Mondal joined Maoist activities in 80’s
After the CPI (Maoist) was formed in 2004, Mondal returned to Jangalmahal and became active in the region. He reportedly played an important role in the Lalgarh movement and was appointed secretary of the West Bengal State Committee in 2010. He also held a key position in the Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha regional committee.
Akash reportedly remained underground after Kishenji
After the death of Maoist leader Kishenji, however, Mondal reportedly went underground in Jharkhand.
After around 15 years, three members of his group were arrested by Jharkhand Police on August 4, while another surrendered. Mondal subsequently left the forests on August 13-14, reportedly due to high blood pressure and back pain, leaving behind an AK-47 and documents.
Maoist members surrendered after group weakened
Several other Maoist members later surrendered to the Bengal Police. They reportedly told investigators that Mondal would not surrender and planned to return to Jangalmahal once the situation improved. His bodyguard, Mangal, and his wife, Malati, are still believed to be in the forests.
Health problems forced forest exit
Sources close to Mondal said he had around ₹1.5 lakh in cash before his arrest. He had reportedly been changing locations and disguising himself while looking for places to hide with acquaintances and relatives.
Wife remains imprisoned after earlier arrest
Mondal’s wife, a resident of Patashpur, was also an active CPI (Maoist) member and was arrested by the Kolkata Police Task Force in 2010. She is currently in jail.
His arrest has brought relief to police forces in Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha involved in anti-Maoist operations.
