Mahto's body consigned to flames

Jamshedpur, Mar 6 (UNI) The mortal remains of slain JMM MP from Jamshedpur and party general secretary Sunil Mahto were consigned to flames with full state honours at his ancestral village at Chhota Gamharia in neighbouring Seraikela-Kharsawan district this evening.

He was given a 16-gun salute before the last rites were performed.

As late Mahto did not have any son, his nephew Paritosh Mahto lit the funeral pyre in the presence of thousands of people and several dignitaries including Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, Deputy Chief Ministers Stephen Marandi and Sudhir Mahto, their cabinet colleagues Dulal Bhuiyan, Bhanu Pratap Sahi and a hosts of MLAs.

Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, Ms Rupi Soren, wife of JMM supremo Shibu Soren were also present.

Earler, Mr Mahto's body was brought to his house at Chhota Gamharia in the morning from Tata Main Hospital here and after performing rituals a huge procession was taken out.

Thousands of people participated in the funeral procession, shouting slogans like '' Sunil Mahto Amar Rahe,'' which went through several places including the JMM office here and the slain party president Nirmal Mahoto's samadhi at Ulyan. His body was also kept at Beldih Church here.

Mr Mahto and three others were gunned down by the extremists at Baguria village in East Singbhum district during a soccer match on March 4.

UNI