Three associates of Maoist leader Kishanji arrested

KOLKATA - Tightening their net around Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao alias Kishanji, Police Thursday arrested three of his close associates from Lalgarh belt in West Midnapore district.

They were picked up during a raid in Lakhanpur village under Salboni police station. “These three are very close to Kishanji. Seven others were also picked up,” West Midnapore district superintendent Manoj Verma told IANS over phone.

Verma said the arrests of Gopal Mahato, Haripal Mahato and Malik Mahato will help in gathering vital inputs about Kishanji. The three are said to be allegedly involved in several incidents of murder and arson.