Senior Maoist leader Prashant Bose dies in custody in Ranchi

Banned CPI-Maoist’s senior Politburo member, Prashant Bose, alias ‘Kishan Da’, died at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi after his health deteriorated on Friday, officials said. He was over 80.

Bose, who was lodged in Seraikela Jail, complained of severe breathing difficulties early Friday morning. Around 6 a.m., he was rushed under tight security to the RIMS, where a team of doctors began treatment.

However, his condition failed to improve, and he was declared dead at around 10 a.m. on Friday, officials



said.

Given the sensitivity of the case, a magistrate has been deputed, and due legal procedures are being followed.

A native of West Bengal, Bose was among the most influential leaders of the Maoist movement and was widely regarded as second only to CPI-Maoist General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao.

He was a key member of the Central Committee and Politburo and also served as secretary of the outfit’s Eastern Regional Bureau.

Within Maoist circles, he was known by several aliases, including ‘Manish’ and ‘Buddha’.