Surat: A former Freelance Journalist, Niranjan Puroshottam Mohapatra, was arrested by the Surat Police for alleged links with Maoists. Niranjan, who hails from Ganjam district in Orissa, was reportedly working in the tribal areas of South Gujarat.

 

He was picked up from Jagannath Nagar in Pandesara in Surat city. Some "incriminating’ documents" and Oriya books on Maoist movement were recovered from him. He has been in touch with the tribals for over 10 years.

 

The 37-year-old Niranjan Mohapatra was later produced before a local court, which remanded him to a 10-day police remand. The Surat police confirmed that Niranjan used to work for Oriya newspapers in the past.

 

Without divulging further details in this case, the Surat Police are investigating the case further. They are looking for Niranjan's associated, if any.

 

According to some reports, Niranjan Mahapatra was arrested after the interrogation of another Maoist leader, Subhashree Panda alias Mili, who was arrested in Orissa in January 2010. Mili is the wife of dreaded Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda.