Sukma district Alex Paul Menon, abducted by Naxals on Saturday, was known for his closeness to the Centre as he tried to fast-track developmental work in the region and sought Central assistance for the same.
Preliminary reports shared with the ministry of home affairs suggested that the collector had been warned by the local police several times not to venture into Maoist strongholds without adequate security cover. But Mr Menon was too focused on his work and threw caution to the wind, an official said.
The incident took place at around 4.45 PM at Majhipara, near Kerlapala in Sukma district, carved out of Dantewada district. It was his last meeting of the day before his scheduled return to Sukma town.
The abduction is like last year’s kidnapping of former Malkangiri district collector Veenel Krishna by Naxals in an exactly similar situation — when Krishna was addressing villagers in a remote area of south Orissa.
Confirming reports about abduction of Mr Menon, a resident of Tamil Nadu, IGP (intelligence) Mukesh Gupta told reporters here that 10-15 armed Naxals, who mingled with villagers at the meeting, suddenly opened fire at the young collector, killing his two gunmen, and took him away into the nearly jungle on motorcycles.
Sources said Mr Menon’s gunmen managed to return fire and kill one Naxal before being shot dead.