CPI seeks magisterial probe into gunning down of 4 Maoists

The ruling LDF in Kerala found itself in a tight spot on Wednesday over the gunning down of four Maoists in Palakkad with its ally CPI seeking a magisterial probe into the matter.

Police on Wednesday said four Maoists--- Karthi, Rema, Aravind and Manivasagan-- were killed in an exchange of fire which was started by the ultras during a two-day police combing operation near Attapady in Palakkad distrct that started on Monday.

Even as the Congress-led UDF sought an independent probe into the matter, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan justified the police action, saying it was an act of self-defence.

Taking a serious view of the incident, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said: "We have doubts whether it was a fake encounter. The policy of the government eliminating political workers cannot be accepted.

The maoists should have been captured and brought before justice instead of killing them."