Karnataka: Death

Mystery shrouds the killing of Mahadev S Mane (42) — an Anti- Naxal Force (ANF) constable of the ninth Battalion KSRP, Bangalore on October 9. The police had claimed that he died in an exchange of fire with Naxals in Manjila forest of Savanalu village in Belthangady taluk. But latest reports point out that  Mane was not killed by the Naxal bullet. The fact is that there were no Naxal at the scene when the ANF opened fire at Manjila forest. The State internal security division is investigating the case.

According to insiders, an ANF team comprising some 14 members headed by DAR RSI C D Gurupada was on a combing operation at Manjila of Navoor village on October 8 evening and had laid a trap. It is expected that because of the torch light Mane assumed that Naxals opened fire and he fired back. Since it was dark, an ANF constable who was standing behind Mane fired again. The bullet, however, first hit the tree and then hit Mane from behind.

But, after the operation IGP Western Range Alok Mohan told media a different story. “The Naxals who were about 15 in numbers had light with them and in the light our ANF team could identify Vikram Gowda and others. Also, more people were identified.” The FIR filed that day at Belthangady taluk said: “Around 11.20 pm on the night of October 8 some 10 to 15 Naxals with powerful torch lights arrived at the spot. When the ANF officials asked them to surrender, the Naxals opened fire during which constable Mane succumbed to injuries.”

It is learnt that the Belthangady police have picked four villagers Soorappa, Ramesh, Sathish and Mohan who had gone poaching. But, investigations revealed that the poachers did not have any firearm. They came with a net, dog, torch, and a sharp iron rod. They were setting traps in the forest to catch rabbits and were waiting to catch the prey. Meanwhile, examining the bullet that killed constable Mane, and the 40 spent shells recovered from the spot, forensic experts confirm that all of them were fired by the Anti-Naxal Force.

When TSI asked investigation reports from State Internal Security division they did not give clear picture. Everyone is hesitant to speak about which way the probe is heading and what is the result. Belthangady police said the case registered against Naxal leaders will remain the same. Though the Belthangady police denied, it is said that the cases against the Naxals are likely to be withdrawn.