Drastic action against Naxalites, vows Koda

Ranchi/Jamshedpur, Mar 5 (UNI) The Jharkhand government today said ''drastic action'' will be taken against the Naxalites even as joint counter-insurgency operations were launched in co-operation with Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa following yesterday's gunning down of JMM Secretary and MP Sunil Mahto.

Chief Minister Madhu Koda this morning called on Governor Syed Sibtey Razi at Raj Bhavan at Ranchi to brief him on the crisis.

Then he rushed to Jamshedpur, where he told reporters, that the CBI inquiry was required to see if any political ''conspiracy'' was behind killing of the MP along with two of his body guards and another party worker.

Mr Koda did not rule out the possibility of deployment of army in case the situation further deteriorated.

In a related development, the Congress, an ally of the Koda-led UPA government, today came down heavily on the government for its ''failure to maintain peace and ensure safety of the people''.

Congress MP from Godda furkan Ansari demanded President's rule while his counterpart from Dhanbad Dadai Dubey criticised Mr Koda on the law and order front.

The Chief Minister, when asked to comment on his allies' demand, said he was not aware of the fact.

Asked if there was any security lapses, the chief minister said the matter was under investigation.

He also made it clear that the Deputy Commisioner and Superintendent of Police of the district were not suspended as reported so far.

''We will take action only after going through details of the investigation,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Raj Bhavan sources said the Governor would also visit the district today.

UNI