Probe launched into Mane's death

Mangalore, October 11: With the suspicion rising over the death of ANF constable Mahadeva Mane, who was killed in a fierce gun battle with the Maoist at Manjala in Belthangady taluk, the senior officials have started probe into the incident.

“We did not get the bullet from Mane's body during post mortem. However, after the second round of test in the form of scanning and x-ray, we got the bullet. The bullet had touched the bone and had broken into four pieces. The post mortem report has been handed over to forensic laboratory experts,” said DGP Neelam Achyutha Rao, speaking to a section of media.

“A thorough investigation will be carried out into the incident. Forensic Laboratory expert and three experts from Manipal will study the post mortem report. The SP (Internal Security), four DySPs and few Inpsectors will probe into the incident,” said IGP (INF) Bhaskar Rao.

Meanwhile, when contacted, IGP (Western Range) Alok Mohan said the post mortem was carried out in Belthnagady government hospital. “At first, the doctors did not find any bullets in the victim's body. However, three to four pieces of a bullet were found during scanning and x-ray of the body.”

“We are probing into the contention of misfiring. The probe is in its initial phase and are yet to get a breakthrough,” he clarified.

Superintendent of Police Laburam said that the police are yet to find out the gun used for firing. It is said that the the Naxalites had not fired at the police from a distance. It is suspected that the bullet must have been from AK 47.

Sources said “normally ANF personnel wear bullet proof jacket during any operation. The department provides the jacket. However, there was no bullet proof jacket on the body. Hence, Mane was killed.”

DGP Neelam Achyutha Rao, ADGP (Internal Security) Bipin Gopalakrishna, SP Laburam are camping in Belthangady. The DGP visited the spot where Mane was killed in Manjala on Monday along with the ANF team which was combing at a time when they were confronted with the Naxals. Under the direction of the senior police officials, the ANF personnel and the police have intensified the combing in Nada, Navoor, Melanthabettu and Permar on Monday. The ANF have formed six teams to carry out the combing operation.

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda who is visiting Dakshina Kannada on Tuesday is likely to visit the spot.

In the meanwhile, the ANF has intensified combing in Nadpalu and Kabbinale region of Udupi district.