CPI(Maoist) says Mahto killed to avenge lynching of 11 ultras

Jamshedpur, Mar 6 (UNI) The CPI(Maoist) today said it was responsible for killing JMM general secretary and MP from Jamshedpur Sunil Mahto to avenge the lynching of 11 Naxals at Lango in east Singbhum district in 2004.

Pamphlets of the Naxals were seen on the walls at Lango and Hadiyan villages, Superintendent of Police Pankaj Darad told UNI here adding the ultras said they had killed Mahto as revenge.

The deceased MP was instrumental in generating mass opinion against insurgency and Nagarik Suraksha Samittee (NSS) was formed in Naxal-dominated area to counter their attacks which was specially monitored by then SP Arun Oraon.

On August 7, 2004, villagers at Lango had caught Naxals and lynched 11 of them.

Reacting to the Naxals' claim of killing Mahto at Baguria, Mr Darad said the police took it as a challenge and would intensify the counter-insurgency operations.

High alert was sounded in the state immediately after the JMM MP and another party leader Prabhakar Mahto, alongwith two bodyguards, were shot dead by the Maoist activists at Baguria village near Naxalite-affected Ghatshila in East Singhbhum district on March four.

UNI