Has a Tribal Youth Been Kidnapped by Maoists in MP?

Balaghat, Sep 17 (NationPress) - The atmosphere in the Lanji region of Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh has turned tense as reports emerge of a tribal youth allegedly abducted by suspected Maoists from Pusera village, leading to widespread fear among residents.

Inspector General (Balaghat) Sanjay Kumar confirmed the disappearance of the youth and the finding of threatening pamphlets.

In an interview with IANS, the senior police official stated, “The youth, known as Devendra Kushwaha alias Dhaddu, was reportedly taken late Tuesday night. A police unit is currently searching for him. We cannot confirm his death until a body is recovered. The police are conducting an extensive search in the dense forests. We will only ascertain the nature of this incident after the youth is located, whether it is a Naxalite abduction or driven by other motives. Investigations are ongoing.”

Post-abduction, locals found two pamphlets, allegedly left by the Malajkhand Area Committee of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), inscribed in red ink. One pamphlet accuses Devendra of acting as a police informant and declares a “death sentence” upon him. The second warns villagers against cooperating with security forces and threatens dire consequences.

“At first glance, this case appears connected to the Malajkhand Area Committee of CPI (Maoist),” another police officer remarked.

The first pamphlet alleges that Devendra had repeatedly supplied intelligence regarding Maoist activities and camps to the police. It mentions that he was once detained in the forest under the pseudonym “Dahan” and had been regularly providing dairy products to the Pitkona police station.

The pamphlet concludes that, due to these actions, Devendra has been found guilty and sentenced to death by the Maoist faction.

In response, security forces have intensified search operations throughout the Malajkhand area, mobilizing personnel to locate the missing youth and avert further escalation.

This incident has reignited apprehensions among villagers, many of whom are now reluctant to engage with law enforcement due to the threats posed by insurgents. This occurrence highlights the ongoing challenge of Naxalism in Madhya Pradesh, despite the Union Home Ministry's target of March 2026 for the complete eradication of the movement.

Authorities are advocating for calm and urging locals to cooperate while assuring that all efforts are being made to secure Devendra’s safe return and restore tranquility to the region.