Andhra Pradesh : 36 Naxals are arrested,

Hyderabad: In a major operation, thirty-six Naxals were on Sunday apprehended by the CRPF and state police from Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.

Among those nabbed is top Naxal commander Lambayya who carries a reward of Rs 30,000 on his head.

The security forces also seized a number of weapons and ammunition besides Rs one lakh in cash after the operation.

The arrested Naxals have been identified as Pangni Mangu (female 18 years) of Palem village,

Thambelu Devudu alias Lambayya Pedapadu, Thambelu Venkat Rao (22),

Kotta Babu Rao alias Chanti (25),
Pangi Bheema Raju alias Bheema (22)
and Vanthala Ramu alias Ramu (25) of

Cheeparu Gonda village.

Another 30 cadres have also been arrested in the operation, security officials said.

The joint forces also recovered three .303 rifles, three 12-bore rifles and one each of grenade, bulletproof jacket, nine kitbags and Rs one lakh in cash.

A senior security official said that the forces apprehended these Naxals after a day long operation.