BALAGHAT, DECEMBER 16: Madhya Pradesh Transport Minister Likhiram Kawre was hacked to death at his home near here past midnight on Wednesday under mysterious circumstances, with police suspecting the hand of Naxalites in the gruesome murder.The body of 42-year-old Kawre was found early on Thursday morning in the compound of his house at Sohanpuri, 40 kms from here. Police said Kawre was hit in the neck by an axe and that a pamphlet found nearby claimed that the murder was the work of Naxalites belonging to People's War Group who are on the rampage following killing of some of their top leaders in a police encounter in adjoining Andhra Pradesh earlier this month.Home Secretary N Singh told PTI that the Minister, who was away on campaign for the civic elections, had allowed both his security guards to leave the place between 7 pm and 9 pm.The PWG Naxalites, who had called a two-day bandh against the killing of their leaders in Andhra Pradesh, are also operating in this district but this is the first time that a Minister has become their target.The State Government has declared a three-day mourning for Kawre and the inauguration of a light and sound show at Khajuraho slated for Wednesday has been cancelled.Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, Home Minister Nand Kumar Patel and Director General of Police S C Tripathi have left for the spot.
