Maoist militia 'deputy commander' held in Telangana, mine found in his possession

A Maoist militia 'deputy commander' operating in Khammam district's Cherla area in Telangana, was arrested on Saturday and a weapon used in mine blasts was seized from his possession, police said.

Muka Sodi alias Mukkaiah, who was allegedly involved in three offences including murder of a villager, exchange of fire with a police party and planting explosive material on a road, was apprehended by a joint team consisting of Telangana Police and CRPF personnel, Venkatapuram Police Station Circle Inspector Sai Ramana said.

"A directional mine was recovered from his possession. He had been operating in Cherla as militia deputy commander and besides supporting Naxals, he was also involved in offences since 2012," the Inspector said.

A case was registered and investigations are underway, police said.