Police investigation revealed that a murder alleged to be committed by Maoists in Narayanpatna police station area of Koraput district had been really committed by the wife of the deceased.
The accused had also tried to hide her crime by trying to put blame on Maoists through her statements to media. The accused, Palai Miniaka, has been arrested. During interrogation, she had also confessed to her involvement in the murder of her husband as well as attempt to conceal her crime , police sources said.
She had allegedly axed to death her husband Komulu Miniaka (50) at Odiapentha village under Narayanpatna village on the night of January 12. Narayanpatna happened to be a Maoist-affected area. Palai had alleged that a group of 15 to 20 Maoists in uniform were involved in the murder. .
Speaking to The Hindu , Koraput Superintendent of Police Awinash Kumar said from the very beginning the investigating police officials were sceptical about the involvement of Maoists in this murder. Son of the deceased was a most wanted Maoist and it was unlikely that he would let his father to be murdered by his compatriots.
Palai had filed complaint regarding murder of her husband in Narayanpatna police station on January 13.
Basing on post-mortem report, inquest and interrogation of eye witnesses, police had started investigation. The axe with which the murder had been committed was also seized.
Investigation revealed that marital tussle had turned violent between Komulu and Palai. As per villagers, the couple used to frequently quarrel. The Koraput SP said due to increased area dominance of security personnel, presence of Maoists has got diminished in Narayanpatna block. Taking advantage of the situation earlier some miscreants were trying to extort in the name of Maoists in this area, several of whom have been arrested. Now murderers have started to suppress their crime by naming Maoists. The SP requested the inhabitants to come out and complain to police when they feel similar mischief of extortion or any other heinous crime was being committed by miscreants in the name of Naxalites, so that strict action could be taken against these persons who create false panic.
