J'khand movement activist Baskey shot, critical: Police

RAJABHITHA POLICE STATION OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, NIRMAL KUMAR MANDAL SAID AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY, AND AT THIS POINT, IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED IN THE ATTACK OR WHAT THE MOTIVE WAS

- Praduman Choubey [e-mail]

DHANBAD: Tala Baskey, a known local figure associated with the erstwhile Jharkhand statehood movement, sustained critical injuries after he was shot at by unknown miscreants in the Rajapokhar village under Rajabhitha police station in Godda district late Tuesday night, police said on Thursday.

"Tala Baskey was sleeping on a cot in the courtyard of his house due to the hot weather inside, and someone shot at him from behind at around 2 a.m.," said Jarmal Baski, his long-time companion during the Jharkhand movement and a neighbour in Godda.

Baski said he was first rushed to Godda Sadar Hospital and later referred to Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH) in Dhanbad for further treatment due to the severity of his injuries.

"He told his wife, who rushed after hearing his screams, that he was feeling a burning sensation on his back," said Jarmal.

He added, "We immediately called the local police and reached the police station even before they could reach the spot. The police then admitted him to Godda Sadar Hospital, from where he was referred to SNMMCH. An operation is likely after a CT scan."