2 CPM workers killed by suspected Maoists

Suspected PCAPA members shot dead two CPM supporters in Jhargram in West Midnapore district early on Saturday. The killings were reportedly in retaliation to the CBI booking Asit Mahato,the organisations chief,in the Jnaneswari Express derailment. A senior police official said that the victims were identified as Nilkanta Mahato and Thakurdas Mahato,both residents of Jitoshol.

According to sources,Thakurdas Mahato,50,and Nilkanta Mahato,35,were dragged out of their houses around 11.30 pm on Friday by a group of 20-25 armed Maoists with covered faces. The duos bullet-ridden bodies were recovered from the state highway 3 kilometers away from Lodhashuli forest in Jhargarm on Saturday.

We have found posters of the CPI-Maoists near their bodies. The posters stated that the agents of Patwari and the police informers were punished by the people, said a police official of Jhargram Police Station.

Patwari is the owner of a sponge iron factory in Jitoshol. Nilkanta was a member of AITUC while Thakurdas was a CPM supporter and the father of Utpal Mahato,a driver in Patwaris sponge iron factory.