Maoists kill CGPCC chief Nand Kumar Patel
Raipur: In the biggest ever attack on any political party, President of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CGPCC) Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh Patel, leader Mahendra Karma, former Rajnandgaon MlA Udai Mudliyar, Congress leader of Jagdalpur Gopi Madhwani were killed along with 21 others after a swarming attacked of Maoist on the carcade of Congress party at Jeeram ghat of Dharbha valley on May 25. The carcade was returning from Sukma after addressing Parivartan Yatra and had reached Jeeam ghat wherein the carcade got trapped in the Maoist ambush. Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister VC Shukla, Sukma’s Congress legislator was critically injured in firing who is struggling for his life at Medanta hospital Gurgaon. The Maoists had put up road blocks by felling trees before triggering a landmine blast that hit one of the vehicles in the convoy, comprising 30-32 vehicles carrying Congress leaders to Jagdalpur. After the blast Maoists sprayed bullets for about two hours from close range on the convoy. About 150 to 200 insurgents took part in the operation.
PM meets Darbha attack survivors
Raipur: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi, Vice President INC Rahul Gandhi reached Raipur after massacre of Congress party men in Darbha. The Prime Minister termed Naxal violence as a serious challenge before Indian democracy. They met the citizens injured in the Naxal attack at Ramkrishna Care Hospital on May 26. While condemning the Naxal violence in strong words, the Prime Minister wished the injured in the attack for their quick recovery. He also expressed deep condolence and concern toward the bereaved families of Mahendra Karma, Uday Mudaliyar, Nandkumar Patel and others. The Prime Minister called upon all the citizens to join together against Naxal violence while raising above all political and ideological differences.
IPS, IAS face the heat
Raipur: As the outcome of May 25 massive Maoist strike which killed more than two dozen Congress leaders, workers and security persons, the State Government suspended Bastar Superintendent of Police Mayank Shrivastava, and also removed District Collector Anbalgan P and Inspector General of Police Bastar range Himanshu Gupta on May 28 evening for the security lapses. Ajay Yadav is now the new Superintendent of Police whereas Arundev Gautam will take the place of Himanshu Gupta as new IG. Ankit Anand has been posted as new Collector of Bastar and replaced Anbalgan P who has been made deputy secretary in Mantralaya. Himashu Gupta has been given the charge of IG of CID whereas Mayank Shrivastava has been attached to DGP office, Raipur. Meanwhile, the State Government has also made some changes in VIP security arrangements according to which DIG of State Intelligence Bureau Dipanshu Kaabra and IG Raipur G P Singh will look after VIP security under the direct supervision of Director General of Police Ramniwas.
Justice Prashant Mishra to conduct judicial probe
Raipur: Justice Prashant Mishra has been appointed as the chairman of the judicial probe panel which will investigate the lapses on the part of administration in providing security and other circumstances leading to the Maoist attack on the Congress convoy at Darbha valley. Justice Mishra Panel will have to submit the probe report within three months of its formation.
Politics charged up
Raipur: The aftermath of Darbha massacre has charged the political environment in state with Congress party openly alleging role of BJP behind the ambush attack wherein top state leaders of Congress party were killed. Meanwhile, BJP has refuted the allegations and termed it as internal rivalry of Congress. BJP also came up with list of its various party workers murdered by Maoists. Congress party targeting Chief Minister Raman Singh demanded his resignation while, BJP has raised suspicion over safe escape of Kawasi lakhma Congress legislator from Konta.