Hardcore Maoist held near Orissa's Keonjhar district

A hardcore Maoist allegedly involved in several criminal cases including murder was arrested in Orissa's Keonjhar district, police said today.

The Maoist, identified as Purna Murmu, was nabbed at Ghasisahi under Ghasipura police station, about 80km from here, yesterday after being spotted by the police at a function for distribution of land "pattas" to tribals, they said.

Murmu was wanted by the police in many Maoist related crimes including murder, arson, loot and extortion in the district.

He is being interrogated.