Maoists torch JCB machines protesting illegal sand lifting

Lamataput: Protesting illegal lifting of sand from a quarry on Darliput river, suspected Maoists allegedly set afire three JCB machines engaged in the work here under Padua police station in Koraput district. They left behind some posters threatening sand mafias of dire consequence, police said.

The posters read ‘nobody has any right on the Darliput river and its sand. Outsiders will not be allowed to lift sand with JCB machine. Anyone found involved in this trade will be awarded death sentence.’

Padua police seized the posters and have started investigation.

In a related development, a cadre woman Maoist, Sabitri Murmu alias Kuni, surrendered before Deogarh Superintendent of Police. She had been working with Kalinga Nagar division since 2008 and was a close associate of the division head Sushil, Deogarh SP Sara Sharma said. She was promoted to cadre level in 2010.

She decided to shun violation due to exploitation in the Maoist camp. “We had joined the organisation after being lured by Maoists 8-10 years ago. Later, they exploited us in the camp. We were denied food, water and medicines in the camp. So, we decided to quit the outfit”, she told reporters.