Two Maoists held

Two members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) were arrested by the Ranchi police in Bundu area on Friday.

Basanti Devi (18) and Basudev Hajam confessed to having links with the Maoists since last year.

“Women Maoist cadres are being subjected to sexual harassment by their male counterparts,” said Devi.

“Some of them are forced to join or support Maoists and if they refuse, they are often subjected to violence — both physical and mental,” said Senior Superintendent of police Praveen Kumar Singh.

Mr. Kumar said Devi and Hajam spied on police movement and passed on items required by the Maoists. They were never involved in any killing and were the support group.