Security personnel have reportedly thwarted a major Maoist attack on the capital and its vicinity, officials told PTI on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh Police intercepted a group of Naxalites and seized a large stock of ammunition after they received a tip-off. Officials said a senior Naxal leader was among the 10 accused arrested in two separate raids.

Inspector General (Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force) Aseem Arun said the accused had plans to target the National Capital Region and its vicinity. Nine Maoists were arrested in Noida, while Maoist commander Ranjit Paswam held Bihar's Chandauli. Naxal leader Pradeep Sinh Kharwar, who was among the men held on Sunday, had a Rs five lakh reward for his arrest.

Arun said the raids would continue. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had announced the government's decision to end militancy in the country. Ministry of Home Affairs data indicates a strong presence of militants in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha.