NIA Inquiry Revives Mystery Over Maoist Leader's Fate
The NIA has not officially disclosed the purpose of the inquiry
KURNOOL: An inquiry by officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Nandyal district has revived questions over the fate of Maoist leader Namala Jayamma alias Aruna, who was reportedly killed in an encounter two years ago.
The NIA team visited Paramatur village in Gadivemula mandal and questioned Jayamma's parents and relatives. Officials also collected information from the village revenue officer.
According to sources, Jayamma joined the Maoist movement along with her husband, Bhaskar, about 25 years ago when Naxalite activity was at its peak in the Nallamala forests. The couple later reportedly separated after differences arose. Bhaskar is said to have surrendered before the police, while Jayamma continued to work for the banned outfit.
After Maoist activity declined in the Nallamala region around 2005, Jayamma is believed to have shifted to the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) region. Reports later emerged that she was killed in an encounter in the forest areas of Kerala two years ago.
The latest NIA inquiry, including questioning of her family members and local officials, has once again brought her case into focus, triggering fresh speculation among villagers over whether she is indeed dead.
The NIA has not officially disclosed the purpose of the inquiry.
