The last rites of slain Maoist leader Mallojula Koeswara Rao alias Kishanji, who was killed in a police encounter in West Midnapur in West Bengal, were performed under tight police security at Peddapalli in Karimnagar district, on Sunday.
Thousands of people from Peddapalli and its surrounding areas, top leaders like revolutionary poet Varavara Rao, Prof. Haragopal and Telangana People's Front chairman Gaddar, Telangana Rashtra Samiti floor leader Etela Rajender, Congress MP G Vivek, Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti founder president Manda Krishna Madiga, Telangana United Front President & singer Vimalakka, attended the funeral and paid rich tributes to Kishanji.
The family members of Kishanji took the body in a flower-decked coffin from his house to the Kosula Bhavi burial ground in a procession, and the pyre was torched by Kishanji's brother Venugopal's son.
The last rites were performed as per Maoist tradition.
Meanwhile, the police have intensified combing operations, following rumours that Kishanji's wife Sujatha and daughter Sadhana were visiting Peddapalli to witness the last rites.
Shops, business establishments and educational institutions in many areas of Pedapalli town remained closed for the 2nd day on Sunday, as a mark of respect to the slain Naxal leader. (INN)