Netai case: Warrants against 8 absconding CPI(M) members

Jhargram (WB), May 18: A local court on Wednesday, May 18 issued warrants against eight absconding CPI(M) members, accused in the Netai firing in West Midnapore district, and asked them to surrender before it by June 29.

Following the CBI's appeal to issue look-out notices against the eight absconders, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jhargram, M Reja ordered confiscation of the movable and immovable properties of the eight persons accused.

The court further ordered police to put up ''wanted'' posters bearing their photos with suitable reward promises for the public.

The eight absconders are CPI(M) zonal committee member Anuj Pandey, his brother Dalim Pandey, party local committee secretary Chandi Karan, other local committee members Khaliluddin, Jaydeb Giri, Tapan Dey, Fullora Mondal and Pratim Dandapat.

Gunshots were fired from Dandapat's house in Netai village on January 7 leading to the death of nine people, including four women.

Of the 20 CPI(M) accused in the carnage, 12 were already arrested. The case was investigated by CBI and chargesheet filed in early April. All the accused were booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 302 (murder).

The carnage took place when Netai residents, mostly women, went in a procession to Dandapat's house, sheltering a camp, to protest against alleged arm twisting of villagers by CPI(M) activist for joining the village defence squad at night.

PTI