Tribal man, son shot dead by Naxalites in Jharkhand's Chatra

NEW DELHI: Naxalites in Jharkhand's Chatra district shot a tribal man named Chhedi Birhor (48) and his son Pankaj Birhor (30), on suspicion that they were police informers on Saturday night at Hindia Kala village in the Kunda police station area, officials said on Sunday.

The deceased belonged to a particularly vulnerable tribal group, they added.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Pandey, "The man and his son were allegedly killed by members of Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC).

Pankaj's elder brother, Vidhayak Birhor, reported to the police that a group of 60-70 Naxalites surrounded their house and forcefully entered through the roof.

"When no one opened the door, they broke into the house through the roof. At first, they thrashed them and then shot them dead," he said.

Vidhayak, who was not present at the time of the attack said, "Had I been at home, I would also have been killed."

A police officer said that the family had previously handed over a Naxalite to the police after the individual demanded Rs 10,000 as extortion from them. The extortion attempt occurred after the family received funds for constructing a house under the state's Birsa Awas Yojna.

"The TSPC was furious over this incident. In revenge, they might have committed the crime," he added.