Ultras killed Mahto in pre-planned conspiracy: Marandi

Jamshedpur, Mar 5 (UNI) Jharkhand Vikas Morcha(Democratic) president and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi today said the naxals killed JMM MP Sunil Mahto in a pre-planned conspiracy.

Talking to newspersons here Mr Marandi, who came to pay tributes to the deceased leader, said Mr Mahto was ''emotionally trapped'' by the killers as he was reportedly called up at least 25 times on his cell phone to attend the football match as the chief guest.

Mr Mahto and three others were gunned down by Maoist rebels during the football match at a village near Ghatshila in East Singnhbhum distirct yesterday.

The JVM (D)leader said the naxals took advantage of the 'weak' Madhu Koda government as it miserably failed to tackle the extremism in the state.

Mr Marandi, the first Chief Minister of Jharkhand, claimed the naxalite movement was not strong during his regime and spread its network in a short span of time after his successor Arjun Munda's tenure and the UPA government have also failed to come out with a comprehensive policy in its six months' rule.

He said the naxalite problem had turned into a political problem now and it should be dealt with strongly.

Mr Marandi held the Congress,the RJD and the JMM responsible for the present crisis in Jharkhand and reiterated a fresh mandate after imposing president's rule, was the only solution to 'save'the state.

He also visited Tata Main Hospital, where the body of Mr Mahto was kept.

UNI