High-Profile Maoist Couple With Rs 13 Lakh Bounty Captured in Chhattisgarh's Urban Network

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has apprehended a Maoist couple with a combined bounty of Rs 13 lakh in Chhattisgarh's capital city. This significant arrest has revealed how dangerous Maoist operatives were seamlessly blending into urban society, disguising themselves as construction workers while maintaining connections with their underground network.

Authorities identified the suspects as Jaggu Kursam, also known as Ravi or Ramesh (28), and his wife Kamala Kursam (27), who were captured in Changorabhatta on September 23. The pair had been evading capture by frequently relocating between Raipur, Bhilai, and Durg, all while maintaining their facade as daily wage laborers. Officials confirmed that Jaggu had an Rs 8 lakh reward on his head, while Kamala carried a Rs 5 lakh bounty.

During their search operation, investigators discovered compelling evidence of their clandestine activities. Law enforcement confiscated a 10-gram gold biscuit, Rs 1.14 lakh in cash, two Android smartphones, and additional incriminating materials from their rented residence. Forensic experts are currently analyzing their communication records, and investigators suspect the couple was actively procuring medicines, provisions, and logistical support for senior Naxal commanders.

Local residents described the couple as extremely private. "They avoided interaction with everyone, not even stepping out for groceries. They would leave early for work and return late in the evening. We never observed any visitors at their residence," one neighbor remarked. This secretive behavior has intensified questions about their movements throughout the city and potential local accomplices.

Jaggu Kursam began his involvement with Maoist activities at just 11 years old. For nearly two decades, he engaged in combat against security forces in Bijapur's forests, eventually attaining the rank of Divisional Committee Member (DVC). His spouse Kamala joined the Naxal organization as a teenager in 2014, later becoming an Area Committee Member (ACM). The couple met while operating in the forests, developed a relationship, married, and continued their allegiance to the banned movement until their discovery in Raipur.

This isn't the first instance of high-profile Maoists being captured in the capital. In 2005, authorities arrested Central Politburo member Narayan Sanyal here, followed by the capture of senior women operatives in 2008. These recent arrests emphasize how Raipur continues to function as a "safe urban shelter" for Maoist operatives attempting to remain undetected.

According to police sources, the couple had been under surveillance following intelligence connecting them to senior Maoist leadership. They are currently in remand custody, and investigators indicate that additional arrests may follow as authorities intensify scrutiny of the Maoist urban support network in Raipur.