Alluri, Aug. 17 -- A senior Maoist operative was arrested during combing operations in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju district, police said on Sunday.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Bardar told reporters in Paderu that Maoists attempted to open fire on security forces during searches in Killankota panchayat and Chintaguppa areas of G Madugula mandal, but fled.

"In the process, one Maoist was apprehended," he said.

According to officials, the arrested cadre has been identified as Chaito alias Naresh, a native of Bhaliaputtu village in Odisha's Koraput district. Naresh reportedly joined the Jana Natya Mandali troupe in 2011, and by the age of 15 was drawn to Maoist ideology. He later rose through the ranks, becoming commander...