Got a death threat from Maoists: Jharkhand ex- CM Marandi

The Maoists issued a death threat to former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) Babulal Marandi asking him to leave the state within 48 hours or face the consequences.

Marandi, who is contesting elections from Koderma Lok Sabha seat, has been threatened to stay out of state till parliamentary elections were over. “The letter has been sent from Ranchi on letterhead of Giridih-based advocate Avinash Kumar Sinha but is claimed to be issued by CPI-Maoists,” Marandi said during a press conference held at his Barganda residence in Giridih on Tuesday.

Giridih Superintendent of Police (SP) Surendra Kumar Jha confirmed that the letter had been posted to former chief minister. “Additional security is being provided to him during his stay and movement in Giridih by district police. If required more security personnel would be provided to him,” said Jha. Marandi already is a high-level protectee, said Jha.

“It appears to be handiwork of some insane person. However, the person whose letter head has been used is under police scanner. Giridih police have received several such letters in past in which different claims were made and persons concerned wanted to intimidate police and others by naming Maoists. However, a case has been registered with the town police station and inquiry is on. We are attempting to identify persons who have done this,” he added.

Marandi, however, demanded the state government to hold an impartial inquiry and book the culprits.

“I want state government to be serious on this issue as government has withdrawn my Z+ security. Besides, I was on the hit list of target of the then Peoples War Group (PWG) when I was the chief minister of the state. PWG later merged with Maoists. Besides, I have lost my son in a Maoist attack and my younger brother has been also targeted by the outfit twice,” said Marandi.

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