New Delhi: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a wanted Maoist from Pune, bringing an end to a 15-year-long manhunt. Prashant Jalinder Kamble, also known by his alias “Laptop”, had been absconding since 2011.
A computer expert and a graduate from a Pune college, Kamble, earned his nickname “Laptop” due to his proficiency in computer and laptop repairs. His primary role within the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) was to recruit educated people from urban centres into the Maoist fold and strengthen the organisation’s urban network.
Sent to police custody for 7 days
The ATS Thane unit had registered a case against Kamble under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2011. After a thorough surveillance operation, the Pune ATS apprehended him and handed him over to the Thane unit.
Kamble was produced before a Thane court on Sunday and he was remanded in police custody for seven days.
According to police sources, Kamble had worked closely with Milind alias Deepak Teltumbde, a senior member of the Maoist central committee, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in Gadchiroli in November 2021.
For several years, Kamble had been residing under an assumed identity in the slums near Tadiwala Road, Pune. He disappeared from his home on November 15, 2010, after telling his family he was travelling to Mumbai for work. When he did not return, his family lodged a missing person’s complaint at Bundgarden Police Station on January 18, 2011.
‘Have moved on, all doors to return now closed’
In a statement to the ATS in 2011, Kamble’s brother revealed that shortly after his disappearance, Kamble had contacted the family and informed them, “I have joined the Maoists… I am working with them in the forests… I have received weapons training and am using my computer skills to assist them. All doors to return are now closed. I have moved on.”
Police records also show that Kamble was associated with Kabir Kala Manch (KKM), a cultural group based in Pune, which authorities allege is a front organisation for Maoist activities. Another KKM member, Santosh Vasant Shelar alias Vishwa alias Painter disappeared along with Kamble and later also joined the Maoists.
