Three CPI-M activists killed by Maoists in West Bengal

KOLKATA - Maoists killed three activists of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in three separate incidents in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Saturday.

According to police, Bokui Murmu, a CPI-M supporter and a farm labourer of Bhandradahi village in the district was murdered Saturday afternoon, while Sitaram Mandi, former CPI-M Panchayat Pradhan and Sayan Pal were killed early Saturday.

“Murmu was missing since Friday night. His body was recovered this afternoon. A Maoist poster claiming responsibility for the crime was found beside his body,” Mukesh Kumar, Jhargram additional superintendent of police said.

In the second incident, the body of Sitaram Mandi was found lying on a road near Jhargram. His family members said that a group of Left-wing ultras dragged him out of his house Friday night.

In a separate incident, a group of 10-12 heavily armed rebels raided Neguria village in the district and dragged Sayan Pal out of his house and murdered him.

Meanwhile, another CPI-M supporter Bidyadhar Chandra of Murakata village in Midnapore Sadar block sustained bullet injuries and was admitted to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital Friday night.

“He was attacked by a group of Maoists when he was returning home Friday night,” a police officer said.

Maoist rebels are active in West Bengal’s West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts.