Rift among Maoists in Odisha

A day after Sabyasachi Panda, Secretary of Odisha State Organising Committee (OSOC) of CPI (Maoists), denied involvement of the ultras in the killing, another naxal leader Nikhil released an audio-tape claiming that Banshadhara Divisional Committee of CPI-Maoist had executed the murder.

Claiming to be the secretary of Bansadhara Divisional Committee, Nikhil also raised questions on Panda's motives and the content of audio messages released by him over the last few days.

Accusing Panda of distancing from the people's war against the state, Nikhil asked why he was moving around with armed cadre without contributing to the Maoist cause.

"We had earlier warned the sarpanch's husband Deba Bagaranga (40) before killing him. Sabyasachi Panda was also informed about the murder," Nikhil said and questioned the OSOC secretary's intention in denying Maoists' role in the killing.

Nikhil has reportedly been operating under the leadership of Manoj who has been "deputed by CPI-Maoist" to look after party activities, especially its military missions in Odisha, sources said.

"Maoist posters and banners were found near the site of the murder of the sarpanch's husband on May 22," a senior police officer said, adding that it was surprising as to why Panda denied Maoists' role in the killing.