Three CPI-M leaders shot dead near Lalgarh

Maoists killed three local CPI-M leaders by thrusting rifle barrels in their mouth and pressing the trigger at a village near Lalgarh in West Midnapore district, officials said today.

District Magistrate Narayan Swarup Nigam said the Maoists last night abducted local party leaders Anadi Mahato, Radhanath Mahato and Bhakti Mahato from Ranjia village in Salboni and killed them.

Soon after the incident, residents left the village in panic even as police went there to recover the bodies lying on the side of the road. Anadi Mahato was a member of Lalgeria Gram Panchayat while Radhanath and Bhakti were local leaders, police said.

A total of 88 local leaders have been killed by Maoists since June 19 when the joint forces started an anti-Maoist operation at Lalgarh and surrounding areas.