Maoist zonal commander to fight bypoll in J'khand

Chatra, Jan 13 (UNI) A self-styled zonal commander of proscribed CPI (Maoist) is likely to contest the February four Jharkhand Assembly bypolls four from Simaria constituency on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) ticket.

Kuldeep Ganjhu, now lodged in district jail, is accused of several naxalite operations in the past seven years in the state.

If denied the BSP banner, Kuldeep, whose application was awaiting clearance by party chief Mayavati, would try his electoral fortune as an Independent candidate.

A local fast track court on January ten directed the district superintendent of police to make arrangements for the ultra wishing to contest the bypoll.

Ganjhu was nabbed by police in 2004, a few days after a raid in his house in which police had recovered about Rs 17 lakh and cache of arms.

Meanwhile, BSP state president Shatrudhan Kumar Shatru today confirmed that party had received an application in this regard from the maoist ultra.

''We have already sent a list to Ms Mayawati comprising three aspiring candidates and any decision in this regard will be taken shortly'' Mr Shatru said.

Asdked about Kuldeep, he said no one could be termed guilty till the accused was convicted by the court.

Last year, another top brass CPI(Maoist) ultra, Kameshwar Baitha, had contested bypolls to Palamu parliamentary seat as BSP candidate.

Significanty, he polled about 1,41,825 votes and was placed second.

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