Kolkata, Aug. 27: The pro-Maoist leader, Umakanta Mahato, a prime suspect in the Gyaneswari Express sabotage case, was killed in a gun battle with joint security forces in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district early on Friday, police said.
Mahato was the leader of tribal body the People’s Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA), which has been blamed for the sabotage.
The five-hour gun battle started at around 1.30 am in Mohanpur forest near Lodhashuli.