A Chhattisgarh man has been apprehended by the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for his alleged involvement in aiding Naxalites, as stated by an official on Tuesday. The detainee, identified as Dhan Singh Pungati, admitted during questioning that he had been associated with Naxalites for approximately 25 to 30 years. He confessed to providing them with sustenance and funds, facilitating the transmission of their messages between locations, and executing tasks as directed by the group, as detailed in a press release issued by the MP Police headquarters.

Pungati was arrested by the ATS on August 25 in Kalpi village, Madhya Pradesh, as he was en route from Jabalpur to Mandla, according to the release. His capture was informed by the intelligence gathered from the interrogation of Naxal leader Ashok Reddy and Kumari Potai, also known as Remati, who were apprehended on August 21. Pungati disclosed to the authorities that his connection with Reddy originated through another Naxalite named Vijay. Acting under Vijay's instructions, Pungati arranged transportation and made logistical preparations for Reddy, the release noted.

On August 21, Naxalite Ashok Reddy, a figure implicated in over 60 criminal cases and pursued by law enforcement across four states, was taken into custody by the MP ATS in Jabalpur. He was sought with a combined bounty of Rs 82 lakh spanning Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The apprehended Naxalite faced charges including murder, attempted murder, robbery, incitement of violence, assault on police, abduction, arson, and violations of the Explosives Act, Arms Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in numerous states.

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