In a significant breakthrough for security forces, the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police arrested top CPI (Maoist) leader Akash, alias Asim Mondal, from his in-laws’ residence in Patashpur, East Medinipur, in the early hours of Thursday. The 64-year-old, a member of the Maoist Central Committee, was apprehended around 3 am following a carefully coordinated operation.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the arrest through a post on X, asserting that ultra-Left violence would not be allowed to resurface in West Bengal. Praising the STF’s efficiency, he noted that Akash had managed to evade law enforcement agencies for over 15 years, making the arrest a major operational success.

According to police and central intelligence sources, Akash was among the most wanted Maoist leaders in eastern India. Known for his strategic acumen and organisational capabilities, he carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore announced by Jharkhand Police and Rs 1.2 crore by Odisha Police. His arrest is being seen as a severe setback to ongoing efforts to revive Maoist networks in the region.

From grassroots activist to top command

A native of Phulchak village in Chandrakona, West Medinipur, Akash entered ultra-Left politics in the 1980s. He was initially associated with the People’s War Group (PWG) and later became a key figure in the CPI (Maoist) after its formation in 2004. He played a crucial role during the Lalgarh movement and steadily rose through the ranks of the organisation.

Akash took over as Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee in 2010 after the arrest of Sudip Chongdar, the former head of the outfit’s Bengal chapter. Following the death of senior Maoist leader Kishenji in 2011, he was entrusted with overseeing operations in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum region, a critical zone along the Bengal border.

Cornered by crackdown, facing resource crunch

In recent months, Akash had reportedly been under increasing pressure as several Maoist ‘Area Commanders’ surrendered to authorities. He had briefly taken shelter in the Saranda forest at the hideout of senior Maoist leader Misir Besra. However, after Besra’s arrest, Akash attempted to re-enter Bengal with a smaller squad.

Sources indicate that he was facing a severe financial crunch after multiple associates were arrested and funds seized by the police.

Tracked through surveillance, arrested on arrival

Investigators revealed that Akash had arrived at his in-laws’ house to arrange funds, as his network’s resources had been depleted. The STF had been monitoring the location for an extended period. Acting on precise intelligence, officers surrounded the house and arrested him immediately upon his arrival.

His wife is also believed to have links with the Maoist organisation. Despite multiple surrender offers reportedly extended by senior officials in the past, Akash had remained underground—until now.

Security agencies view the arrest as a critical disruption to attempts at reorganizing Maoist activities in West Bengal and adjoining regions. With one of the last senior leaders operating in the corridor now in custody, officials believe the insurgent network has suffered a decisive setback.

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