Police recovers 200 live detonators in Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Police has confirmed the seizure of 200 live detonators in Visakhapatnam and arrested a person on charges of supplying explosives to Maoists.

The recoveries were made in Visakhapatnam District of the state when a police patrol team became suspicious of a van. During a search operation, 200 live detonators were found along with iron shells, pipes and wire bundles.

Police arrested S. K. Dawood who claimed to be a cement merchant of G.K. Veedhi village.

Visakhapatnam Superintendent of Police Koya Praveen said Dawood had a long liaison with Maoist rebels.

"The incident took place between Narsipatnam and Chintapally. We have taken Dawood in custody. He deals with cement and hardware in G.K. Veedhi village," said Praveen.

Police got a tip-off that explosives were being supplied to Maoist rebels through pipes and drums after interrogating Maoist leaders Venkat Rao alias Ravi and Azad.

Police also suspect Dawood's role in the abduction of three leaders belonging to the ruling Telugu Desam Party two months ago from the same G.K. Veedhi village.

Maoists, also known as 'Naxals' in India, seek the violent overthrow of the Indian state and have fought authorities for decades, particularly in rural areas of central and eastern India where they enjoy some support.