The names of a string of prominent political leaders cropped up in a Cobrapost sting operation for reportedly supporting upper-caste militia Ranveer Sena in Bihar, where Assembly polls are due soon.
Six Ranveer Sena operatives were secretly filmed for “Operation Black Rain”, the sting operation claims that claims the militia had plans to carry out 50 massacres in as many villages in a single day, but failed. Around 150 Dalits were killed in six massacres between 1994 and 2000, but most of the accused were set free by higher courts.
"The Sena had the tacit support of certain political leaders both at the Centre and state level. The Sena cadre received training from Army jawans — either on leave or retired. They were equipped with modern weapons like AK-47, Light Machine Guns, SLRs and Mousers. Some of these arms were bought from the consignment that was part of the Purulia arms drop on December 17, 1995,” said a Cobrapost statement.
Published 17 August 2015, 18:50 IST