Naxal involved in murder of ex-Salwa Judum member held

Raipur: A naxal, allegedly involved in the murder of a former 'Salwa Judum' worker on April 3, was arrested in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, police said.

"Budhram Kunjam (29) was picked up from his native place Fuladi village under Mirtoor police station limits in connection with the murder of Channu Modiam," a district police official told PTI.

On April 3, the ultras opened fire on Modiam, a former member of 'Salwa Judum', and attacked him with sharp edged weapons in Loharpara village under Bhairamgarh police station area of Bijapur, in which he died.

'Salwa Judum' was a militia that had been deployed as part of anti-insurgency operations in Chhattisgarh, before it was banned by the Supreme Court.
Following the incident, security forces launched an operation to trace the naxals.

"On getting a specific tip-off, a police team from Bhairmgarh raided Fuladi village today and apprehended Kunjam. During interrogation, he admitted to his involvement in the murder.

 An axe used in the crime was also recovered from his possession," the official said, adding that efforts are on to trace other naxals who were involved in the crime.