Bihar attaches property of 21 Maoists

In a crackdown on Maoists, Bihar government has attached the property of 21 ultras, mostly in naxal-affected Aurangabad district, under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) ACT.
A total of 39 cases were prepared by the state police headquarters for seizure of properties under the Act, out of which state government's go ahead order was given in 21 cases.
Prominent among those was the wife of top Maoist commander Arvind Jee, a member of ultra outfit's central committee, who owned land worth Rs 25 lakh, DGP Abhyanand said.
The seizure/attachment of proceeds of illegal activities included land, vehicles, cash, bank deposits and laptop, he said.

The initiative, considered a brainchild of the Bihar DGP, is probably the first of its kind in the country.
"There is shift in paradigm in dealing with naxal problem, from person to property," the DGP told PTI.

After meticulous scrutiny, the police surveyed movable and immovable property of the Maoists and prepared a list under Abhyanand's supervision under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
As per provisions of the Act, which was amended in 2011-12, an appeal could be filed with the state police chief against details of properties to be seized within 48 hours of the issue of notice, after which it would be sent to the Home Secretary who was the designated authority for government's approval in such cases, the DGP said.

At the Home Secretary-level, show cause notices would be issued and a proper hearing would be given before passing order for seizure of properties of the ultras earned through unlawful activities.
Once the property is attached after following due process, an appeal can be filed only with the District Judge, he said.