The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant breakthrough by apprehending Dinesh Gope, popularly known as “Kuldeep Yadav” or “Badku,” the self-proclaimed leader of the banned People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), announced an agency spokesperson on Sunday.
Operating mainly in Jharkhand, the PLFI is a splinter group of the Maoists, known for its involvement in various acts of violence and terror.
Gope, who had a staggering record of over 100 criminal cases against him, including charges of murder, abduction, extortion, and raising funds for the PLFI, was captured in Delhi. His arrest comes with a reward of Rs 30 lakh for information leading to his apprehension.
The NIA had filed a charge-sheet against Gope in 2018 for his involvement in a case related to the recovery of demonetized currency worth Rs 25.38 lakh from PLFI operatives. Prior to his capture, Gope had been evading arrest for almost two decades.
The PLFI has been responsible for numerous terror incidents in Jharkhand, leading to the filing of three cases against the outfit by the NIA Ranchi branch.
The spokesperson added that Gope had been declared wanted in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha, and the authorities had registered more than 102 criminal cases against him. His capture has brought relief to the victims who were subjected to his terror campaigns, including extortion, threats, and forced fund collection for the PLFI.
Gope’s escape from an encounter in West Singhbhum district last year had further fueled his aspirations to regain control and consolidate the PLFI’s dominance in Jharkhand. His modus operandi involved extorting money from businessmen, contractors, and the public at large. The funds obtained were then deposited in bank accounts and later channeled through illicit means and dubious shell companies, some of which were owned by Gope’s associates and family members.
The NIA, along with local authorities, had previously charged four individuals in 2017 and subsequently filed supplementary charge sheets against 16 more individuals and three private limited companies. As part of the investigation, the agency has seized substantial assets, including bank accounts, vehicles, cash, and immovable properties worth over Rs 1 crore, connected to Gope and the PLFI.
The PLFI, notorious for its engagement in extortion and criminal activities, targeted coal traders, railway contractors, and private entities involved in developmental projects across different districts of Jharkhand. Additionally, the outfit formed alliances with various criminal gangs to further expand its nefarious operations, which included arson and murder.
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