Two Held in Gadchiroli for Spreading Fear Through Alleged Maoist Propaganda

Two persons have been arrested in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district for allegedly putting up banners and distributing leaflets designed to create fear among locals by suggesting the presence of Maoists in the area, police said.

The incident came to light on July 12, when a red cloth banner and white leaflets carrying threatening messages were found beneath a village direction board, around 5 km from Pipli-Burgi on the road towards the Jijawandi toll gate.

According to police, the material was intended to create an impression among residents that Maoist activity was prevalent in the area, thereby spreading fear and panic among the local population.

A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The arrested accused have been identified as Shiva Mistry, 48, a resident of Tarunnagar in Pakhanzur tehsil of Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, and Rohit Mallik, 25, from Vateli in Etapalli tehsil of Gadchiroli district.

Police said further investigation into the case is underway.