The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today began its probe into the brutal attack by the Maoists on Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh.
The NIA team, which reached here this afternoon, has taken over the case registered in Darbha police station under various sections of IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh told mediapersons in New Delhi earlier in the day that an official order formally handing over the case to NIA to carry out the investigation would be issued soon.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had earlier said the NIA will probe the Maoist attack on Congress leaders and the Centre has received a go-ahead from Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh for it. Shinde had also briefed Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh about the decision to hand over the investigation to NIA.
Heavily-armed Maoists had on Saturday ambushed a convoy of Congress leaders in the state's Bastar district, killing 28 people including PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, Congress leader Mahendra Karma and ex-MLA Uday Mudliyar and injuring 32 others.
Former Union Minister V.C. Shukla injured in the attack is being treated at a Medanta hospital in Gurgaon. His condition is stated to be critical, but stable.
