In a major breakthrough, the chief of the banned extremist outfit People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), Dinesh Gope, has been arrested in Nepal after evading authorities for over two decades. The arrest was made in a joint operation conducted by the Jharkhand Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday.
Dinesh Gope, a resident of Khunti district in Jharkhand, had been on the run for the past 20 years, facing numerous charges related to his involvement in criminal activities. The National Investigation Agency had charge-sheeted him in 2018 for his alleged role in the recovery of demonetized currency notes worth Rs 25.38 lakh from PLFI operatives.
The PLFI, a splinter group of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), has been responsible for several acts of violence, extortion, and intimidation in the region. Dinesh Gope, as the supremo of PLFI, held significant influence over the outfit’s activities, which posed a significant threat to the law and order situation in Jharkhand and neighboring areas.
The arrest of Dinesh Gope marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in their relentless pursuit of individuals involved in organized crime and terrorism. It is a testament to the joint efforts of the Jharkhand Police and the NIA, showcasing their commitment to bringing criminals to justice.
Authorities had placed a bounty of Rs 30 lakh on Dinesh Gope, out of which Rs 25 lakh was declared by the Jharkhand Police, and the remaining Rs 5 lakh by the NIA. This substantial reward demonstrates the severity of the crimes committed by Dinesh Gope and the determination to apprehend him.
The NIA had earlier filed a supplementary charge sheet in July 2020, naming Dinesh Gope’s wives, Shakuntala Kumari and Hira Devi, along with Jaiprakash Singh Bhuiyan, Amit Kumar, and Fuleshwar Gope. The charge sheet was related to the seizure of demonetized currency amounting to Rs 25.38 lakh, which was allegedly linked to Dinesh Gope.
The arrest of Dinesh Gope sends a strong message to other criminal elements and outfits involved in unlawful activities. It highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens.
The Jharkhand Police and the NIA are expected to continue their investigations to dismantle the PLFI network and bring all those involved to justice. The arrest of their chief is likely to deal a severe blow to the outfit’s operations and disrupt its criminal activities in the region.
Dinesh Gope will now face the full force of the law, with charges against him for his involvement in various criminal activities, including extortion, violence, and illegal financing. The successful arrest of such a high-profile fugitive underscores the unwavering dedication of law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime and safeguarding the interests of the people.
As the legal proceedings progress, authorities will strive to gather more evidence to ensure a strong case against Dinesh Gope, thereby increasing the likelihood of a conviction. This arrest will serve as a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against extremism and terrorism, bringing a measure of justice to the victims and their families affected by the PLFI’s activities.
