Maoists deny issuing threats to guardian minister Shinde

Nagpur: The banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) has denied issuing threats to Gadchiroli district guardian minister Eknath Shinde, labelling it a popularity ‘stunt’ by the minister, in a press release.
Shinde had some days ago claimed to have received a threatening letter from the Maoists, vowing to eliminate him to avenge the relentless deaths of their cadres and also some of the key leaders. The threat was issued through a letter allegedly sent by Bhamragarh area committee. The case is now under investigation by Thane city police.
Clarifying their stand, Maoists’ western regional bureau spokesperson Shrinivas has stated through the press communication that the minister has resorted to the claims of threat for publicity. Hitting out at the minister and Maha Vikas Aghadi government, the Maoists claimed the leaders are merely ‘brokers’ of the mining company which is facing tumultuous mass protests at Surjagarh.
The Maoists also claimed that leaders like Shinde and his cabinet colleague Vijay Wadettiwar cannot face the masses now for opposing the move of the masses, who have now taken a stand against mining in the district.
A senior police official from Thane city police said on condition of anonymity that the investigation is presently underway, and is with the anti-extortion cell of Thane crime branch.