Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has said the BJP can seek a National Investigation Agency probe into the killing of its worker in Maoist-affected Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, in case it is not satisfied with the police investigation.
BJP worker Birju Taram was shot dead by suspected Maoists in village Sarkheda on the night of October 20. The BJP has termed it a “targeted” killing.
Asked about the BJP claim, Mr Baghel said, “The last time when they had levelled allegations of BJP workers being targeted and killed, I had told them to get the incidents investigated by the NIA. NIA does not even need recommendation. When (BJP MLA) Bhima Mandavi was killed (in April 2019 in a Maoist attack), the Chhattisgarh police was probing it but they (BJP-led Centre) sent NIA (to probe the case).”
“If they feel the incident of Mohla-Manpur is a targeted killing, they should get it investigated by the NIA. Who is stopping them? The way ED and IT are roaming here, NIA can also come. Who will stop them (NIA)? Whether the probe is done by the government, state police or NIA, the truth must come out,” he added.
State BJP chief Arun Sao visited Taram’s house in Sarkheda on Monday and alleged the incident was not only a targeted killing but a political murder to secure power.
“Violence has no place in democracy. The murder of Taram is not only a targeted killing but a political murder to grab power. But the state government has been sitting silently when political rivalry is turning into violence. The BJP is committed to ensuring justice for Taram’s family,” Mr Sao told reporters.
Taram had informed the local administration about the threat to his life, but no steps were taken to provide security to him, he claimed.
The Congress government is scared of the public (anticipating defeat in next month’s assembly polls) and, therefore, targeted killing of BJP workers is taking place, he alleged.
“The Congress has a history of political murders for power. Political murders have been taking place continuously in Chhattisgarh. Earlier BJP workers were killed in Bastar, which were also targeted and political murders,” he claimed.
Polling to the 90-member state assembly will be held in two phases on November 7 and 17. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.
Sunil Soni, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Raipur, on Monday said his party has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India seeking action on murders of Taram and others.
The BJP has also demanded deployment of Central forces in sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations in Maoist-affected areas, he added.
“The BJP has sought the removal of the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and transfer of Inspector General of Police of the concerned range and Superintendent of Police of Mohla-Manpur district,” Mr Soni said.
