State DGP Anil M. Navaney on Friday took the unprecedented decision to “personally” probe the killing of District Auxiliary Force (DAF) jawan Kartam Surjya, described as “Chhattisgarh’s hero” in security circles here, for leading many daring operations against Naxals in south Bastar, in the Naxal ambush at Morgunda in Sukma district on Thursday, amidst speculation that a “rebel mole” in the police might have pushed him into the death trap.
“Kartam Surjya was our best fighter against Naxals. He had led many successful anti-Naxal operations by Koya commandos — tribal youths trained in rebel warfare to take on Maoists in Bastar jungles — in districts of Dantewada and Bijapur. He was able to instil fear in ultras for his ruthlessness,” said SP Sanjay Sharma (security) at the police headquarters here said on Friday.
Sources said Mr Navaney air dashed to Dornapal in Sukma district, recently carved out of Dantewada district, held discussions with local police officers at Dornapal on the incident and then straight proceeded to the attack site at Morgunda, 12 km away, for an on-the-spot inquiry.
What led to suspicion on the possibility of a trap laid by Naxals through their “mole” in the police to eliminate Kartam, was the sudden change in the route by the police team led by ASP D.S.Maravi, who had gone to depose before a visiting CBI team at Dornapal in connection with 2011 alleged police atrocities on tribals in Tadmetla area in Dantewada district, while returning back to Sukma on Thursday evening.