JD(U) MLA Ramesh Munda shot dead by MCC, case referred to CBI

Ranchi, Jul 9 (UNI) In a second major Maoist strike within less than two weeks in the same district, JD(U) MLA Ramesh Singh Munda, two of his bodyguards and a child were killed when proscribed Maoist Communist Centre Naxalites opened fire on them during a school function at Barihatu in Bundu district today.

On June 30, DSP Pramod Kumar was killed and four jawans were injured in the same district while they were returning from long range patrol.

A few weeks back, Maoists looted Rs 5 crore and 1 kg of gold of ICICI Bank from a Ranchi-bound carrier in that district.

After today's attack, the government swung into action with Chief Minister Madhu Koda referring the case to CBI and tranferring SP (Rural) Md Nehal with immediate effect.

Besides, helicopters were pressed into service for combing operation in the thick jungles.

The Chief Minister said he had so far received reports of four deaths, adding he was awaiting the exact figure.

However, unconfirmed reports put the toll at five with the death of another villager in the incident.

IGP and police spokesperson R K Mullick said Mr Munda, MLA from Tamar, was attending felicitation programme at a school at Barihatu this afternoon.

The MCC cadres sudenly opened indiscriminate fireon them killing two bodyguards on the spot.

Mr Munda succumbed to his injuries on way to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in the state capital.

Police said the sudden maoist attack created panic among the school children and villagers present at the function. As they ran helter skelter, many of them sutained injuries among whom one died later.

The JD(U) legislator was on the hit list of the Maoists and the place where the incident occurred was considered a stronghold of the ultras.

UNI PRS SJC AM UCS1927