SAA event in Maharashtra, Gadchiroli District area, India on Sun 19th September 2021

A 45-year-old tribal, Somaji Sadmek, was shot dead by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres near Hedri in Etapalli Tehsil (revenue unit) in Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra on September 19, reports The Times of India. Police sources said the Maoists also left some pamphlets near Sadmek’s body, which was found near a temple adjoining Surjagarh hillock where mining is underway. Somaji was whisked away from his residence a day ago. Through the pamphlets, the Maoists have voiced their angst against the mining work and targeted political parties for backing the corporate company to run the project. Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP), Ankit Goyal said the pamphlets left behind near the body indicated that the murder could be connected to Surjagarh project. It’s learnt that Sadmek earlier worked on the project site. He used to also take villagers along to work on the project. Sources stated he was not associated with the current company which is mining at the site. It’s learnt that Sadmek was approached by company’s representative around a fortnight ago.