CM orders probe into ‘surrender drama’

After coming under fire from several quarters, including several of its own party MLAs...

After coming under fire from several quarters, including several of its own party MLAs, the Raman Singh Government has finally ordered an inquiry into claims that 79 people who “surrendered” in front of the Chief Minister were not armed Maoist rebels as police had claimed.

IG (Bastar Range) RK Vij has been asked to inquire into the matter and submit a detailed report to the state government. Police in Chhattisgarh, the worst-affected of Indian states hit by Maoist insurgency, said last week that the surrender ceremony on January 3 in Raipur, would be a major boost to its drive to end insurgency.

However, on Saturday, a senior MLA of ruling BJP, Mahesh Baghel, met the CM, Dr Raman Singh with documents, he said, proved the 79 were tribal farmers.

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Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramvichar Netam said, “I have asked senior police officers to reveal the facts soon or get ready for action if civilians have been branded as Maoists”. The inquiry order comes a day after the CM flew to Bastar, in an effort to placate local BJP leaders who had been miffed at the recent surrender episode and had expressed their anger at not being taken into confidence before such major announcement was made by the Government in the state capital. They alleged it was an attempt by some police officers to get promotion and instant fame.

Meanwhile, Vij said the police were compiling details of the surrendered persons and an inquiry report would be submitted soon.

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