Maoists torch vehicles of bridge construction firm in Gomia

Bokaro: An armed squad of Maoists led by Mithlesh Singh, alias Duryodhan Mahto, set on fire several vehicles and equipment at a bridge construction site between Lodhi and Kodwa villages under Chatrochati police station in Gomia block on Wednesday night. The incident happened on the foothills of Jhumra hills, at a time when security forces intensified raids to nab a squad of 15-20 Maoists.
Bokaro SP P Murgum said, “A joint police team of district police and CRPF launched a search operation to nab the Maoists in forested areas under Chatrochati police station. We have intensified security in the area.”

Police said no one was injured in the incident. The workers were resting inside a room at the site of the construction company, Malti Construction, when the armed squad came and set the vehicles on fire. They also reportedly thrashed the site supervisor and another worker of the company before leaving.

“Police will provide security to construction companies engaged in developmental works,” Murgum added.

Loknath Mahto, the site supervisor, told police a dozen-odd men raided their site on Tuesday night and demanded to know how they could start the construction work without taking ‘permission’ from them. Mahto said vehicles and equipment, including an earthmover, a generator, mixer machine and a tractor, worth about Rs 50 lakh, were damaged in the arson.

Although police refused to comment if the rebels attacked the construction site to demand extortion money or to register their presence, local sources said that the attack followed after the proprietor of the company reportedly denied to pay money to the banned outfit.

Maoist commander Mithlesh Singh carries a reward of Rs 1 crore on his head.