Maoists torch tractor in Gaya

Gaya, Feb 09 (ANI): At least five Maoist rebels barged into a brick kiln in Bihar’s Gaya district and torched a tractor after its owner failed to pay Rs 1 lakh as "levy". The rebels threatened the kiln workers with their lives if "levy" was not paid regularly. The kiln owner said that Rs 25, 000 was paid monthly to the ultras until last two months when they started demanding Rs 1 lakh. Police have begun investigation into the matter. However, the Maoists claim to be fighting for the rights of peasants and landless labourers as they routinely call strikes, attack government property and target politicians and police.