Kochi: In connection with the arrest of a Maoist leader in Telangana, the NIA launched a raid at the residence of Maoist idealogue Murali Kannampilly at Thevakkal here on Tuesday morning.

An NIA team from Telangana is carrying out the raid in Kochi pertaining to the arrest of Maoist leader Sanjay Deepak Rao. The team arrived with a warrant. 

When Murali, who resides in the house with his son, requested the officials to wait for his lawyer before opening the door, they forcibly broke it down and entered.

It is learned that Murali will be interrogated after the raid. It is speculated that the team may go to an extent of arresting him.

Maoist leader Sanjay Deepak Rao was arrested in Telangana. He was the target of authorities in Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.