The members comprising six naxalites, associated with Galikonda dalam, 11 armed militia members, 8 militia members and 17 sympathisers were apprehended last night from Cheepurugondi and Yerragedda villages under the area domination operation launched by police last month, Vizag SP G Srinivas told reporters.
During the operation, police seized weapons including three .303 rifles, one SBBL gun, 70 live rounds, 10 SBBL cartridges, a bullet proof jacket, a live grenade, besides some kit bags, a knife and Rs 1 lakh in cash, he said.
The arrested members are suspected to be involved in activities like planting bombs, felling trees, arson, assault, causing damage to private and public properties and providing food and shelter to the outlaws, the SP said.
Police had launched the operation in the wake of suspected ultras setting afire an excavator engaged in a MNREGA road project and injuring 9 villagers at Jamkparlova village in the area last month.
Investigations are on whether the arrested accused had participated in any major operations against security forces.