KOZHIKODE: Criminal activities in the name of Maoists are on the rise in Wayanad. The people having personal problems blame the Maoists when something untoward happens, although the Maoists may be nowhere in sight. The latest is the alleged incident of armed Maoists tying Tharayil Shajan, 46, at Venmani in Thavinjaal grama panchayat, Mananthawady, on Tuesday.
According to Shajan, two Maoists pointed a gun at him and asked for food. When he declined, the Maoists tied his hands and abandoned him on the road at night. Shajan said there were six armed Maoists in the group. But the police have not found any Maoist presence so far.
In January last, Lijeesh Jose, manager of a resort at Rippon in Meppadi, went missing and he himself called his relatives and said that armed Maoists had taken him hostage. Later, the police found that Lijeesh had faked the incident as he wanted to leave the place due to the loss suffered in online business. The Thunderbolt force had combed the entire area.
A year back, a woman had approached the police complaining that Maoists had tried to kidnap her in Thavinjaal panchayat. The probe revealed that the complaint was false. The rumours of Maoists presence spread like wild fire in places identified as ultras-prone.
“A probe is on in the latest incident that happened at Venmani. The police cannot confirm Maoist presence unless they come across concrete evidence,” said Mr Asainar, deputy superintendent of police. Vernacular media reported that an armed gang had visited the houses near Chirakkara estate in Thavinjaal on Friday and collected food materials. Meanwhile, there are allegations that some cops were promoting Maoist news with an eye on getting huge funds.
