ATS Nabs 'Urban Naxal' Kamble After 13-Year Hunt

Maharashtra ATS Arrests 'Urban Naxal' Suspect After 13 Years on the Run

 

 

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS-Pune Unit) has arrested a 44-year-old man from Raigad district for his alleged links with the banned Naxalite movement, officials confirmed on Sunday.

 

Accused Identified as Long-Time Fugitive

 

The man, Prashant Jalinder Kamble—also known by his alias Laptop—was wanted in connection with a 2011 “Urban Naxal” case. He had evaded arrest for over a decade, according to an ATS spokesperson.

The FIR filed in 2011 also named high-profile Maoist leaders, including Milind Teltumbde, who was killed in an encounter in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli in 2021, and Angela Sontakke, another senior CPI (Maoist) operative.

 

Years in Hiding While Teaching Tribal Children

 

Kamble had been residing in the Khopoli area of Raigad district for the past six to seven years, officials said. During this period, he lived under the radar while reportedly teaching tribal children.

Originally from the Tadiwala Road area of Pune, Kamble was known to work as a computer and laptop repair technician. He is believed to have developed connections with Kabir Kala Manch, a cultural organisation previously accused of ideological links to the Naxalite movement.

 

From Technician to Maoist Cadre

 

Kamble reportedly left his home in 2010, claiming he was heading to Mumbai for employment. He never returned. Authorities say he later joined the CPI (Maoist) along with Santosh Shelar, another individual from Pune who had also gone missing.

Shelar resurfaced in January 2024, returning home in a deteriorated state of health. He was subsequently arrested by the ATS.

 

High-Value Arrest Confirmed

 

Describing Kamble as a “high-value” target, the ATS called him a committed follower of Naxalite ideology. After being declared absconding by a court in 2011, a non-bailable warrant and proclamation were issued against him.

Based on specific intelligence, the Pune unit of the ATS tracked him to Khopoli and arrested him following identity verification.

 

Remanded in Custody

 

Kamble was presented before a Mumbai court, which remanded him to ATS custody until 13 May 2025, officials said.