Jharkhand minister accused of founding Maoist group hits back at police

A day after being accused by the Jharkhand police of founding and funding a Maoist organisation, state agriculture minister Yogendra Sao on Thursday hit back at the police, accusing them of patronising a left wing extremist group.

A day after being accused by the Jharkhand police of founding and funding a Maoist organisation, state agriculture minister Yogendra Sao on Thursday hit back at the police, accusing them of patronising a left wing extremist group.

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"The police are biased towards me,” said Sao claiming innocence.

The minister said police have let lose armed cadres of Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC) in the coal belt by allowing them to collect huge levy unhindered.

"They are patronising all kinds of anti-social and anti-national elements, especially in coal rich Hazaribag district." said Sao who was accused by the Hazaribad police of forming and funding Jharkhand Tigers, a left wing extremist group.

Sao, a Congress legislator, represents mineral-rich Badkagaon assembly constituency.

Sao, who owns a couple of mines, said he was targeted by rivals and local politicians who owe allegiance to the BJP and the AJSU.

“They find me a big stumbling block. Hence, with the support of rival leaders and police, they are defaming me.”