Two suspected Maoists nabbed in Orissa

Rayagada (Orissa), July 25 (ANI): Police arrested two suspected Maoists in Orissa's Rayagada District.

Acting on a tip off, police nabbed Purnachandra Brekwada and Treenath Brekwada, who, police said, are active members of 'Basadara Dalam', a Maoist wing led by Sabyasachi Panda alias Azad.

'Basadara Dalam' is active in Rayagada, Gajapati, Nayagarh and Kandhamal districts of Orissa.

Police said that both men were involved in a series of extremist activities.

"They were involved in the attack on the police post and at a liquor shop. Besides this, they are active members of Chashi Mulia Samiti. They are very close to Maoist leader Azad," said Ashish Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police.

On Wednesday, a Maoist couple involved in a dozen crimes surrendered before police in Rayagada.

The Maoists claim they are fighting for the rights of millions of impoverished peasants and landless labourers.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described the Maoists as the biggest internal security challenge since independence. (ANI)