In the biggest civilian killing in Jharkhand since it was carved out from Bihar in November 2000, 30 armed Maoists killed 17 people, including the son of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi and two women on Friday night. The incident happened in Chilkhadih village in Giridih district.

According to the report, at least 30 Naxalites had intermingled with the people gathered during the cultural program that was organised by Babulal Marandi’s brother, Nunulal. At around 1 AM, the armed naxalites opened fire indiscriminately and exploded bombs also.

14 people, including Marandi’s younger son Anupam Marandi, were killed on the spot and three injured died later. Babulal Marandi was likely to attend the cultural program but he couldn’t attend the event. Marandi’s brother Nunulal, who was also present at the function, escaped unhurt.

The program was organised as part of a local football match held on Friday afternoon. Babulal Marandi is the Lok Sabha MP from Koderma constituency and heading Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Democratic).

Marandi said:

My family has been the target of Maoist rebels for a long time as we have been fighting against them and organizing villagers to rebel against them. My son and brother should not have ventured out at night.

According to the data, naxalites are active in 18 of the 24 districts in Jharkhand. About 950 people, including 310 security personnel, have been killed in naxal attacks in Jharkhand till date. Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda said:

It is a sad incident, in which Anup Marandi was killed. Such attacks were in retaliation of police action against them. In last few months police has arrested a number of Naxals and destroyed their bunkers, training camps.

Jharkhand Director General of Police V D Ram arrived at the spot hours after the incident and ordered intensive search and combing operation to nab the naxals involved in shootout. Four companies of CRPF have also been sent into the forest to track the Naxals who usually shelter in the dense forest. Earlier in March, naxals had killed former JMM MP Sunil Mahto at Bagudia village in East Singhbhum district.

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