Suspected Maoist rebels have killed a leader of hardline Hindu organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, BBC online reports Thursday.
Prabhat Panigrahi was attacked by about 15 people and shot dead in Rudhiguma village in Kandhamal district.
Hindu activists said the killing was the result of a “nexus” between state officials, Christians and Maoists. Last year, Kandhamal district witnessed weeks of anti-Christian violence after a Hindu leader was shot dead. The clashes erupted in August after Hindu groups blamed Christians for the killing.
Mr Panigrahi was detained in connection with the anti-Christian riots and was released from jail only last Saturday. He was one of 14 local leaders who were named on a hit-list released by Maoists for alleged anti-Christian activities during the riots.
Hardline Hindu groups in Orissa say Christian priests bribe poor tribespeople and low-caste Hindus to convert to Christianity. Christians say lower-caste Hindus convert willingly to escape the Hindu caste system.
