The CPI (Maoist) allegedly torched as many as 27 constructions and mining equipment worth Rs 11 Crore at a bauxite mine at Kuzam locality under Bishunpur police station of Gumla district on Friday night.
The incident took place barely one km away from the Kuzam police picket. Residents claimed that they heard the sound of an explosion at night. But it is said that the explosion was caused due to a burst of tyres.
The police sources said that the armed squad of dreaded CPI (Maoist) regional commander Ravindra Gonjhu might have committed the arson to pressurize mining companies for the levy.
Gonjhu is carrying a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh on his head. Gumla SDPO Manish Chandra Lal visited the spot on Saturday morning and took stock of the situation. Around 20 Naxalites in two SUVs came to the mining area. They were led by Ranthu Oraon Ravindra Ganjhu and Lajim Ansari who carried a cash prize of Rs five lakh and Rs two lakh over their heads respectively.
Investigation revealed that construction and mining equipment was owned by Hindalco Company of Aditya Birla Group besides the transport company NKCPL. It includes Poklen (4), JCB (17), and six hyva trucks and drill machines. An FIR has been registered by the
police.
On Friday night over a dozen rebels came to the mining area and thrashed five labourers. Since Saturday morning a search operation has been started against Maoists. Posters were also seized from the spot where Maoists took responsibility for the arson.
The Maoists warned not to undertake any kind of mining works else companies and contractors and transporters will have to face dire consequences.