Senari massacre: 15 convicted

Jitendra K Shrivastava

Senari (Bihar), October 27

A Jehanabad court today convicted 15 persons and acquitted 23 others in the Senari massacre case involving the killing of 34 people by outlawed Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) ultras 17 years ago. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on November 15.

The police had filed charge-sheet against 45 out of 88 accused, while trial was conducted against 38 persons as two had died and five remained absconding.

An eyewitness, Sri Mohan Sharma (40), said: “We cannot dispel the fear in our minds of what occurred on the night of March 18, 1999. I witnessed the killing of my younger brother Ranjay, who had got married a month ago. The masterminds, including Radheshayam, Ramashish Manjhi and Murgi Manjhi, are still at large. We are scared of retribution. They are still Maoists.”

Another resident said: “It appeared the massacre was well-planned as a particular caste was targeted.”

Bansi station house officer Sudhir Kumar said: “We have set up a temporary police post to protect the villagers.”