Sources in the Indian Intelligence Agency suspect Maoist leader Srimathi aka Savita, who operated in the forest belt of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, of having links with Anti-CAA groups, reported The Hindu.
Srimathi who carried a bounty of ₹ 4 lacs on her head was apprehended on Tuesday by the Q Branch CID police at Anaikatti in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Agencies are of the view that she came out of her hideout to establish contact with leaders orchestrating the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Internal Security) N. Kannan was quoted as saying, “The arrest of Srimathi is a major setback to the Maoist activities of the Westen Ghats Special Zonal Committee operating in the trijunction. She is involved in more than a dozen cases and is wanted by the Karnataka and Kerala police.” Maoist literature, pen drive and a mobile phone were also seized.
Another official added, “We had a tip-off that she was coming out of the forest for a specific assignment. Special teams were keeping a close watch in the Anaikatti area and nabbed her.”
It has also come to light that Anti-CAA protestors had been planning to storm government-run offices and go on an indefinite strike. Keeping in mind the suspicious link between Maoists and such protestors, security has been beefed up at several vantage points in the state.
The cops have enhanced its presence and intensified patrolling to keep a check on anti-social elements. The Police anticipate clash between Pro-CAA and Anti-CAA groups if one group is allowed to “congregate” in a public building. The cops have sternly warned against any such agitation that may disrupt the law and order in the State. Since no permission was sought for any protest by the people, hence any such attempts would be considered unlawful.
Earlier, the Indian intelligence agencies have picked up cross-country electronic chatter where people believed to be Pakistani operatives are reprimanding their sources for failing to organise Anti-CAA protests with enough mobs on March 3-4 despite the funding at their disposal.
