Author:
Publication: The Times of India
Date: May 24, 2017
URL:   http://m.timesofindia.com/india/surrendered-maoist-says-naxals-celebrated-sukma-attack-for-3-days/articleshow/58823411.cms

Nearly a month after Sukma attack, former Chintagufa village sarpanch and CPI worker Podiam Panda, shares the real story behind the deadliest attack on the paramilitary forces in the state in half a decade.

Though his family maintains that Panda was never associated with any naxal organisation but according to police, Panda "had surrendered just a week after Sukma attack".

"He (Panda) revealed information about some Naxals living in the villages, following which eight people were arrested. His identity was kept a secret to prevent death threats," Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena had said.

Meanwhiile, Maharashtra Times has got access to the videos of Panda's confession before police.

"I was there with them (Maoists) at the time of attack. They celebrated the cruel killings of CRPF Jawans for three days with Drums and Nagadas," Panda says in the video.

Panda said: "Maoists were preparing for Burakapal Attack (Sukma) for one month for over a month. There camp situated in the forests between Fadiguda and Burakapal. Commander Hidma is the mastermind of the attack and Commander Arjun, Sita and Nagesh are his close associate. Also some Naxals have joined the camp from outside. On April 15, first reiki was done and following which Mahesh Lappu, Hurra and Rinku (three members of Dalam group) joined the camp. Two day later, on April 18, they (Naxals) took me to Arjun's camp."

"They were sending different groups to keep a close watch on the movement of troops and gather the information as much as possible," he claimed.

He further said that the maoist leader sought support from the Chintagufa villagers on April 23.

"...And very next day, they got classified information about the CRPF activities and decided to take action. More than 400 armed maoists, including villagers went for the attack. Even I was given a rifle and eight cartridges," he said.

AFTER ATTACK

"After martyring 25 CRPF personnel, Maoists celebrated their victory in a camp located in between Kedwa and Tundamarka forests. They danced on drums and nagadas. Hidma, Arjun and Nagesh also gave a speech to the members. And also villagers from Istaram, Konta, Gullapalli, Polampalli, Pamel, Jagargunda, Keralapal attended the celebration party," Panda claims in the video.

I along with some other people were released after exhibition of arms and ammunitions recovered from jawans was done on April 28.