The “infighting” between the cadres of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has allegedly resulted in the killing of four guerrillas, including a Commander, in the last 10 days in Sukma and Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
“Four Maoist leaders — Hemla Bhagat, Kosi, Hinga and Badru — were killed by other Maoist leaders in the last few days. There are some inputs of another Maoist leader Ayatu being killed by his own party comrades, but his status is yet to be known,” Sukma Additional Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh told The Hindu .
Hemla Bhagat belonged to the military wing of the Maoists in south Bastar, Kosi was working with DKMS (Dandakaranya Kisan Majdoor Sangh) and Badru was the section commander of Maoist’s military platoon no.24, Mr. Singh said.
According to some other police sources, another Maoist leader Hurra, who was also on the ‘hit-list,’ managed to escape and surrendered to the police three days ago. However, Bastar police have not made any official statement regarding Hurra.
The killings came to light when the villagers of Kundri village of Sukma informed the police that Badru was killed and his body was thrown in an open field by the Maoists on July 2 after which the villagers cremated his body near the village.
“The remains of Badru were collected from his village on Sunday,” Mr. Singh said.
Many reasons were being attributed for the fratricide among the senior Maoist guerrillas, but Bastar police suspect “infighting” might sparked the killings.
