CRPF-Maoist encounter in West Bengal brings the end of an era

With the death of top Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao, alias Kishenji, the third wave of the Naxalite Movement has reportedly come to an end. He was killed in an encounter with Central Reserve Police Force jawans in Jhargram forest in West Midnapore, West Bengal. According to police sources, a tip-off regarding Kishenji’s presence in the area came from the local people. The Naxalite leader had allegedly convened a meeting of staff committee members there. Several Maoists sympathisers, including poet Varavara Rao, have alleged that Kishenji was killed in a fake encounter like Azad, another Maoist leader. Rao has demanded a judicial probe into the matter. After Kishenji’s death, a group of 100 Maoists gathered in Latehar and avowed to avenge their leader’s death. Following which 10 persons, including eight policemen, were killed in Latehar, when the party members attacked the convoy of MP and former Jharkhand Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari, who escaped unhurt. The Maoist top gun’s death may have dealt a body blow to the rebel leadership in West Bengal, but they still have the men and firepower for retaliatory strikes, believes the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau — a central intelligence agency. Their report details the status of squads active in Jangalmahal (forest areas of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia).