Date:05/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/05/stories/2008070554031300.htm

National

Injured CPI leader dies

Special Correspondent

Guwahati: Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Manoj Deka (54), who sustained head injuries after being allegedly assaulted by a police constable, died at a hospital here on Friday.

The incident took place on Tuesday night in central Assam’s Morigaon town. The leader was protesting against alleged police excesses on innocent people during search operations to apprehend militants.

As the news of Mr. Deka’s death spread, leaders of various political parties reached the hospital to pay homage and convey their sympathy to his family members. Deka is survived by his wife and three children. Mr. Deka’s body was taken to the State CPI headquarters before being taken to Morigaon for cremation. Protest rallies were taken out in the State by the party and various student and youth organisations.

State CPI leader Munin Mahanta alleged that it was a political murder and urged all sections of people to dethrone the “killer government.” A 12-hour Morigaon district bandh has been called on Saturday.