CM Bhupesh Baghel pays tribute to BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi, 4 others killed in Maoist attack

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday paid tribute to Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Bhupesh Baghel and four others who lost their lives in Maoists attack on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day, Mortal remains of Mandavi was brought to his residence in Gadapal.

Former CM Raman Singh was also present at his residence. "It definitely seems like a political conspiracy, so we want an investigation of the attack," Singh said.

Dantewada: Mortal remains of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi who lost his life in Naxal attack yesterday, brought to his residence in Gadapal. Former #Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh also present; says, "it definitely seems like a political conspiracy, so we want investigation of the attack" pic.twitter.com/58pRYi28nt

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2019

Baghel has already refuted BJP’s allegations that the attack was a result of a political conspiracy, Baghel said, "Mandavi was provided full security cover. He was provided additional security of 50 DRG (District Reserve Guard) personnel (during poll campaigning). Neither there was a lapse in the security nor any conspiracy."

Baghel had said that the MLA was advised not to go through that route where the incident took place. However, he avoided the advice. “If he had avoided going from that route the incident would not have had occurred,” he said.

“Police had already informed Mandavi that there was no security in that area. Ahead of the incident, Manadavi had stopped for sometime at a fair held in Shyamgiri village on Tuesday and probably his location was disclosed to Maoists there only,” the CM said.

Baghel will visit Dantewada to take a stock of law and order situation on Wednesday. 

Accusing the Congress government of protecting Naxals, Jain said in a statement, “The incident is a political conspiracy. It should be probed by the CBI.”

Mandavi, the MLA from Dantewada seat, and his four-security staff were killed as Naxals blew up their vehicle, two days before polling for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is held in the state.

Dantewada falls in the Bastar Lok Sabha seat which will go to polls in the first phase on April 11.