Ranchi, April 6 (Inditop) Maoist rebels have killed four security guards of a proposed power plant of the Abhijeet group in Jharkhand’s Latehar district, police said Monday.
Around 20-25 guerrillas of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) raided the proposed power plant situated in Chakla village in Latehar, some 140 km from Ranchi, at around 11.30 p.m. Sunday and opened fire on the security guards posted there, a police official said.
Three guards died on the spot and one died on the way to hospital. One injured guard has been referred to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science here for treatment.
According to informed sources, Maoist rebels had demanded a levy of Rs.2 million from the company. The Abhijeet group had apparently refused to pay the amount and guerrillas had even beaten up security guards of the firm a month ago.
“We had sought security from the police informing them about the levy demand. The temporary police picket situated near the proposed site was also withdrawn after the Lok Sabha elections were announced. The withdrawal of the police picket encouraged Maoist rebels to attack the company,” an official of Abhijeet group told IANS.
Police have launched operations to nab the rebels involved in the incident.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the attack and demanded the removal of Governor Syed Sibte Razi.
“During President’s Rule, such incidents are taking place in the state one after another. The central government should recall the governor to ensure free and fair election in the state,” said state BJP president Raghubar Das.
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