Five Thokia dacoit gang members nabbed in MP

Bhopal, July 25 (UNI) Five active members of the Thokia dacoit gang have been arrested while hiding in Satna district's Karola forest and weapons seized.

Those apprehended -- three hailed from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and the rest from Madhya Pradesh -- used to repair the gang's weapons, a release from Madhya Pradesh Police Headquarters said today.

Following a tip-off, a cordon was set up in the jungle on July 23 and a search initiated. Kalyan Singh and Ramprasad Vishwakarma were arrested early yesterday. Based on details obtained during interrogation, Uttar Pradesh's Chitrakoot district's Birbal, Satna district's Yamuna Prasad Rajak and Harishankar alias Kallu were apprehended. Two crude .315-bore guns and a 12-bore countrymade weapon were seized.

Vishwakarma is handicapped in the left arm but an ace at weapons manufacture and repair. Kalyan and Vishwakarma were with the gang in the forest for the past five days.

Based on information divulged by the bandits, IG (Rewa Range) A K Soni formed a team comprising STF, SAF and district police personel.

The team was equipped with ultramodern weapons. Rewards were announced for the personnel who executed the arrests.

A special search and intensive patrolling are underway in Satna district, bordering Uttar Pradesh, after that state's police eliminated criminal Dadua and his accomplices. Besides Mr Soni, DIG G R Meena and other senior officers are part of the campaign.

UNI