Thaindian News

Jhargram, Nov 25 (IANS) The paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Friday expressed indignation over doubts expressed in various quarters over the genuineness of the gunfight that killed top Maoist leader Kishenji and claimed it was a “clean operation”.

“When we die in large numbers, it is a fair deal. But when we take them on, it is a fake encounter,” said CRPF Director General K. Vijay Kumar who visited the spot in West Midnapore district’s Burishol forest where Kishenji alias Koteshwar Rao’s body was found Thursday.

“Whatever I have heard makes it look a very clean operation,” he said.

“It is a significant achievement. Youngsters have done a good job,” said Kumar, praising the security personnel who took part in the operation.

The CRPF and its elite anti-Maoist wing Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) played a key role in the encounter.

He said it was a great example of “two forces (paramilitary troopers of the centre and police personnel of the state) working together”.

The CRPF official said the Maoists appeared to be under pressure and as such Kishenji did not have his usual multi-layered security. “Public support for them has also steadily declined.”

Asked whether the Maoists could retaliate, Kumar said: “When losses happen at the highest level, there can be some sort of (retaliation). We have alerted our guys. It’s a sort of professional hazard.”

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Midnapore range) Vineet Goel, who was in the thick of the operation, said some of the Maoist members had run away, leaving Kishenji when the firefight took place.