Chhattisgarh Naxal Attack: Congress chief found dead

Raipur, May 26: In a massive blow to Congress, the party chief in Chhattisgarh -- Nand Kumar Patel has been found dead. Patel and his son earlier were abducted by Maoists during the attack on Congress rally at Sukma district on Saturday, May 25.

However, police is yet to confirm Patel's death officially. A dead body has been found on Sunday morning. Senior Congress leader and former leader of opposition Mahendra Karma and former legislator Uday Mudaliar were killed in firing by Maoists that followed a landmine blast on their convoy.

According to reports, the two had come out of their vehicles following the gunfight to surrender before the rebels but were shot dead. The convoy of Congress party's parivartan yatra was targeted near Darbha forest in Jagdalpur, about 340 km south of Raipur.

Senior Congress leader and former union minister VC Shukla, who received severe injuries, has been airlifted to Delhi for better treatment.

"It is not an attack on Congress. It is an attack on democracy. But, we'll not fear from such an attack and continue to move forward with enthusiasm," said Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi after reaching state capital Raipur around 2 am.

"I met V C Shukla and other injured leaders at a hospital. As soon as his condition becomes stable, he'll be sent to Delhi," he said. "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi will also be visiting and meeting the victims this morning," Gandhi said.

OneIndia News