Maoists demand probe into Kishenji killing

The Maoists on Friday demanded an independent probe into the circumstances leading to the death of their top leader Kishenji in West Midnapore district.

Alleging that Kishenji was killed in a fake encounter at Burisole jungle, the Maoists have called for a two-day bandh in West Bengal from November 26.

"Kishenji was killed in a fake encounter. To protest this we are calling a two-day statewide bandh from November 26 and a week-long protest," Maoist state committee member and spokesperson Akash told PTI on phone from an undisclosed location.

Asked what made him allege that Kishenji was killed in a fake encounter, Akash said, "He was arrested when our people were present nearby and then murdered in cold blood. We demand an independent investigation into the killing of our leader".

Telugu poet Varvara Rao said, "The story of an encounter is a fabrication. Mamata Banerjee proved to be deceptive, speaking of peace with the Maoists while carrying on joint force operations."

Rao said he was flying down to Kolkata from Hyderabad with Kishenji's niece to identify the body. Human rights activist and the head of government- appointed interlocutors, Sujato Bhadra also demanded an inquiry into Kishenji's killing.