Jharkhand MLA demanding CBI probe into Maoist leader’s surrender ends fast

Ranchi, May 17 (IANS) An All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) legislator on hunger strike since Sunday demanding a CBI probe into the "surrender" of Maoist commander Kundan Pahan, ended his fast after the state government promised to look into the issues raised by him.

Jharkhand Home Secretary S.K.G. Rahate and Additional Director General of Police (Operations) R.K. Mallik on Wednesday reached Morabadi ground on Wednesday noon and held a dialogue with legislator Vikas Munda.

Both had gone as representatives of Chief Minister Raghubar Das.

Munda had sat on hunger strike on Sunday demanding a CBI probe into the surrender of Kundan Pahan. He also demanded that Pahan should be hanged.

The AJSU legislator said there are many families whose relatives have been killed by Pahan and they have not been paid compensation. He demanded a fair probe into the killing of his father and former Minister Ramesh Singh Munda, in which Pahan is an accused.

Pahan surrendered before Jharkhand police on Sunday. He was carrying a Rs 15 lakh reward. He is facing 128 cases in the state and is accused of killing of former Minister Ramesh Singh Munda, beheading special branch Police Inspector Francis Induwar, looting of Rs 5 crore from the ICICI. He has killed more than 70 people, including policemen.

The Jharkhand High Court has also taken cognisance of the issue and asked the state government to file a written reply in the matter.