New Delhi: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not satisfied with the state police's inquiry into the killing of its worker in the Naxal-affected Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district last week, they can seek a National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation.


Earlier on October 20, BJP worker Birju Taram was shot dead by suspected Naxalites in his village Sarkheda under the Aundhi police station area. The BJP has termed it a "targeted" killing.


Responding to BJP's claim, Baghel said, "The last time when they had levelled allegations that BJP workers are being targeted and killed, I had told them to get the incidents investigated by the NIA for their satisfaction. NIA does not even need a recommendation. When (BJP MLA) Bhima Mandavi was killed (in April 2019 in a Naxalite attack), Chhattisgarh police was probing it but they (BJP-led Centre) sent NIA (to probe the case)."


"If they feel the incident of Mohla-Manpur is a targeted killing then they should get it investigated by the NIA. Who is stopping them? The way ED and IT are roaming here, NIA can also come. Who will stop them (NIA)? An investigation should be done based on facts. Whether the probe is done by the government, state police, or NIA, the truth must come out," he added.


Earlier in the day, BJP state unit chief Arun Sao visited Taram's house in Sarkheda and alleged that the incident was not only a targeted killing but a political murder in a bid to secure power.


"Violence has no place in democracy. The murder of Taram is not only a targeted killing but a political murder to grab power. But the state government has been sitting silently when political rivalry is turning into violence. BJP is committed to ensuring justice for Taram's family," Sao told reporters.


Sao further claimed that Taram had informed the local administration about the threat to his life, but no steps were taken to provide security to him.


"The Congress has a history of political murders for power. Political murders have been taking place continuously in Chhattisgarh. Earlier BJP workers were killed in Bastar, which were also targeted and political murders," he claimed.


With the polling to the 90-member state Assembly just around the corner, BJP Lok Sabha MP from Raipur Sunil Soni said that his party has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India seeking action on the murders of Taram and others.


"The BJP has sought the removal of the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and transfer of Inspector General of Police of the concerned range and Superintendent of Police of Mohla-Manpur district," Soni said. 


Elections in Chhattisgarh will take place in two phases, on November 7 and 17. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.