CB probe points to Mainpur division maoists

BHUBANESWAR: Investigators have claimed that operatives from Mainpur Division of the CPI (Maoist) were behind the chilling murder of Umerkote MLA Jagabandhu Majhi last month.  Even as mystery continues to shroud the legislator’s killing, the Crime Branch probe continues to point towards role of the Left wing extremists. Sources say that one of the three units of Mainpur Division of bordering Chhattisgarh is strongly believed to have carried it out. “Sitanadi, Udanti and Gariba are the three dominant units under Mainpur Division and their role is strongly suspected going by the investigation so far,” sources said. In fact, these three units have been operating in the border districts of Nuapada, Bargarh and Balangir for the last two years and police believe they have had a conflict of interest with the MLA. Since the investigating agency so far has not been able to arrest any of the operatives as yet, it has stayed clear of naming anyone. In fact, the Crime Branch has adopted a wait-and-watch policy so that the Maoist outfit eventually makes the claim. “A statement by the Maoists on this is expected anytime soon,” said the sources. The CB investigation which has adopted a gradual elimination process suggests that the killers took an escape route which passed right through the Maoist heartland. After carrying out the murder at Gouna, the operatives escaped southwards in the direction of Bhutnada which is a Maoist stronghold. Although the Chhattisgarh territory starts well after that, it is impossible to find any shelter for an outsider in this inhospitable terrain, insiders revealed. “The role of Bangladesh settlers which had come under scrutiny after the murder does not hold water for the simple fact that someone hired by them will find a safe haven to escape, and not retreat into Maoist-controlled areas,” said the sources. While both Majhi and Maoists were vying for support of the tribals, the MLA’s growing clout was coming in the latter’s ways. The murder of a teacher a few years back, in which Majhi’s name cropped up, too had led to erosion in the goodwill for the MLA.