Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a suspected Maoist informer in connection with the loot of explosives from the Bankpathar mines in Sundargarh district and the attempted bombing of a railway track in Rourkela.

The accused, identified as Rupu Singh from West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand, was residing in the K. Balang police station area. He was taken into custody and brought to Bhubaneswar for interrogation by the NIA team.

Following questioning, Rupu was remanded to judicial custody and sent to Jharpada jail.

Sources indicate that if necessary, the NIA may conduct further investigations in Jharkhand to uncover deeper links.

Rupu is believed to be one of the key accused in the explosives loot case and is reportedly a close associate of prominent Maoist leader Anmol Da, also known as Samar or Lalchand Hembram. Preliminary investigations suggest direct ties between Rupu and Lalchand.

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Authorities say Rupu acted as an informer for Maoist groups, providing intelligence on security forces’ movements. He was also allegedly involved in recruiting locals into Maoist ranks, distributing Maoist posters, and collecting extortion money in the name of the organisation.

Investigators suspect Rupu’s involvement in multiple Maoist-related violent incidents across Odisha and other states. The probe is ongoing, and further arrests or revelations are expected.