The Maoists on Tuesday claimed that Kobad Gandhy, a politburo member of the Communist Party of India-Maoist, was arrested soon after his return from the "guerrilla zone" and a "weak element" in their party gave information to police about his movements.
The party claimed that Gandhy, who is in charge of spreading the organisation's influence in urban areas, had "just returned from a trip to the guerrilla zone".
"The arrest of Gandhy is being touted as a big success of intelligence officials while it was actually a result of the betrayal by a weak element in the party who was acting as his courier," said CPI (Maoist) spokesperson Azad.
The "courier" led the Andhra Pradesh police and intelligence wing in Delhi to the rendezvous spot of Gandhy in Bhikaji Cama Place, he claimed in a statement. However, the party did not identify the "betrayer".
The Maoists are of the view that the arrest of Gandhy, who played a "crucial role" in bringing out party publications in English, was a "great loss" to the party.
Gandhy (63), who is suffering from prostrate cancer and heart ailments, was caught by the Delhi police's special cell from Bhikaji Cama Place on September 20.
Police sources said Gandhy may be taken to G B Pant hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday for further check up as he is suffering from ailments.
"He may be checked by experts in cardiac and oncology department in the hospital," they said.Kobad Ghandy: The gentle revolutionary
Top Maoist leader arrested in Delhi
Metro bridge collapses in New Delhi, 5 killed
Threat calls send New Delhi into a tizzy
Bengal CM skips CPI-M politburo meet