TNI Bureau: The Odisha Police arrested Dandapani Mohanty at his Berhampur residence yesterday for alleged links with the Maoists and “involvement” in several other criminal activities. Dandapani Mohanty, a key interlocutor, had played a crucial role in the release of Malkangiri Collector R Vineel Krishna in 2011 and the Italian tourists Paulo Bosusco and Claudio Colangelo in 2012.

Dandapani Mohanty, whose son Sangram Mohanty was arrested for alleged Maoist links two months ago, was picked by policemen in plain clothes from his Shanti Nagar residence. Odisha DGP Prakash Mishra told the media that Dandapani Mohanty was providing logistics to the Maoists.

At least 15 cases, including murder, extortion and Maoist links have been slapped against Dandapani. Non-bailable warrants have been issued against him in six cases.