Naxal wanted in scribe's killing nabbed

RAIPUR: A Naxal allegedly involved in the killing of a journalist earlier this year was arrested from Maoist-hit Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, police said today.

Banjami Hidma (35) was nabbed from the forest under Tongpal police station limits yesterday during a search operation, Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shandilya said.

"The cadre was wanted in connection with the murder of a local journalist - Nemi Chand Jain(45) - and a cash reward of Rs 50,000 was also announced for information regarding him," the SP said.

Acting on a tip-off about his presence in Tongpal of South Bastar, around 450 kms from the state capital Raipur, a team of local police mobilised and later nabbed him, he said.

The interrogation of the rebel was on, he added. According to sources, police also suspect Hidma's involvement in the May 25 Jiram valley Naxal attack in which prominent Congress leaders were killed.