Maoists deny involvement in Bihar killings

Patna, Oct 4: Maoist guerrillas have denied their involvement in Bihar's Khagaria killings, in which 16 people were killed on Thursday night, Oct 1.

Maoist leader Sanesh said, "The Maoists have no hand in the massacre of the people in Khagaria."

He said the name of CPI-Maoist was taken to defame the outfit. "We have sympathy with those killed and their families. The CPI-Maoist would punish those behind the massacre by the end of this year," Sanesh added.

However, the Bihar Police suspect the involvement of Maoist guerrillas in the massacre.

The police on Saturday, Oct 3, said they have arrested 11 people, including the mastermind, in Khagaria district, about 200 km north of Patna.

Police said Thursday night's massacre appeared to be due to a dispute over ownership of land. It took place in Amausi village in Khagaria district.

All the victims belonged to the Kurmi caste and were from Amba Ichwara village, a few kilometres from the incident site. The attackers had tied their hands and feet before shooting them dead, police said.

OneIndia News