Unidentified gunmen shot dead cousin of Chattisgarh’s forest minister Vikram Usendi on Wednesday night in Kanker, 250 kilometer south of state capital Raipur.
Reportedly, assailants picked up Sumant Usendi, 41, a former member of Kanker district Panchayat, from his place around eight in the evening. His body was later recovered near a ditch, inside the forest.
Reportedly, the assailants fired from a close range and Mr Usendi died on spot. Mr Usendi’s body has been sent for post mortem. Kanker also has limited Maoist presence compared to far southern districts of Chattisgarh.
It is not clear till Thursday evening who killed Mr Usendi as no posters or leaflets were available in Solangi. Normally, Maoist rebels drop leaflets or circulate press releases after killing civilians, claiming responsibility.
However, some of the locals told The Hindu that 20-25 Maoists in battle fatigue were seen in the area last night. But they could not confirm if the same Maoist platoon in the area picked up Mr Usendi.
The area also has heavy police and paramilitary presence though no police cover was provided to Mr Usendi. Apparently he had no threat to his life and so no security was provided, police sources said.
Police is interrogating locals and Mr Usendi’s associates.
