Dhaka, Oct 11 (Inditop.com) A Maoist shot dead by security forces has been cremated with state honours in recognition of his role in Bangladesh’s war of independence, a newspaper reported Sunday.

Nirapada Bairagi, 57, received allowances due to freedom fighters. But the Hindu man took to Maoist politics later.

He joined the now banned New Biplobi Communist Party and was killed in fighting between his Maoist associates and the police in the southeastern city of Khulna Friday, New Age newspaper said.

According to police, he was accused in eight cases of murder, abduction and robbery.

Bairagi was cremated with state honours at the Dumuria cremation ground Saturday, said Khulna Deputy Commissioner N.M. Zeaul Alam.

Bairagi’s son Amit Kumar said his father was innocent and was accused only in a case of abduction.

“How could a man who had never been in hiding be an extremist at the age of 57? The police report is concocted,” the son alleged.