Maoists kill CPI-M leader in West Bengal

KOLKATA - Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Dayal Mahato was shot dead by Maoists in Jamberia area of West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, police said Sunday.

“We have recovered the body of Dayal Mahato. He was kidnapped by the Maoists yesterday (Saturday). He was shot dead,” said Manoj Verma, superintendent of police of West Midnapore district.

The Maoists took Mahato away at gunpoint, suspecting him to be a police informer following a series of raids by joint security forces in the area over the last few days, during which several alleged guerrillas were arrested.

Police sources said the Leftwing extremists tried Mahato in a kangaroo court, beat him black and blue, and then sprayed him with bullets.

The Maoists are mainly active in Purulia, West Midnapore and Bankura districts of the state.