Mandakini, wife of Mr. Kunnikkal Narayanan, Naxalite leader, was arrested in the Kumthala forest in Cannanore district this evening [December 2]. The Police denied that Ajitha, daughter of Mandakini, had been arrested. Earlier reports had said that khaki-clad Ajitha who was alleged to have played a prominent role in the “Pulpalli operations” of the extremists was the only woman member of the team.
Two other young women, who were seen in the company of Mrs. Narayanan, were also taken into custody by the police. A top official said to-night that the police were still combing the forest. He hoped that Ajitha and other members of the gang would be rounded up before long. Mr. Mohamed Kunhi, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Cannanore, led the combing operations to-day.