Prominent Maoist Leader Prashant Bose, Alias ‘Kishan Da’, Passes Away in Custody
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Ranchi, April 3 (NationPress) - The senior member of the banned CPI-Maoist Politburo, Prashant Bose, known as ‘Kishan Da’, has passed away at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi due to a decline in his health on Friday, as reported by officials. He was over 80 years old.
Bose, who was incarcerated in Seraikela Jail, experienced severe breathing issues early on Friday morning. He was swiftly transported to RIMS under stringent security measures at approximately 6 a.m., where a medical team commenced treatment.
Unfortunately, his health did not improve, and he was pronounced dead around 10 a.m. on that same day, according to officials.
In light of the sensitive nature of this case, a magistrate has been assigned to ensure all legal protocols are observed.
A resident of West Bengal, Bose was a prominent figure within the Maoist movement, considered to be second in command only to CPI-Maoist General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao.
He held significant roles in both the Central Committee and the Politburo and was the secretary of the organization’s Eastern Regional Bureau.
Among Maoist ranks, he was recognized by various aliases, including ‘Manish’ and ‘Buddha’.
Bose was apprehended alongside his wife, Sheela Marandi, on November 12, 2021, near the Kandra Toll Bridge in the Seraikela-Kharsawan district, with a reward of Rs 1 crore previously announced for his capture.
Security agencies have linked him to over 200 incidents related to Maoist activities across several states, including Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. With nearly four decades of activity, he was regarded as a principal strategist, ideologue, and think tank for the Maoists.
Since his arrest, Bose had been in judicial custody and was suffering from health issues associated with aging.
Following his death, security measures in the region have been intensified, and further legal processes are being conducted after the post-mortem examination.