Kerala High Court orders burial of Maoist's body

Kochi: Kerala High Court on Friday asked government authorities to bury the body of  P. Ajitha, the Maoist who died in an alleged encounter in the Nilambur forests, at the public burial ground, West Hill, Kozhikode.   The court issued the order on a petition filed by Bhagavat Singh, Kodikulam, Madurai, who claimed to be the classmate of Ajitha. Bhagavat sought a directive to the police hand over the body to him.

The court held that the Malappuram district police chief shall provide all necessary assistance to the petitioner for taking the body which is now kept in Kozhikode Medical College on Saturday at 11am to the burial ground at BG road, West Hill.

The police shall afford sufficient opportunity to the petitioner as well as the friends and relatives of Ajitha to pay their last respects. The court made it clear that the petitioner shall not create any law and order situation or shall not chant anti- government slogans. The petitioner shall abide by the instructions that the police officer concerned gives to carry out the peaceful burial.