Bhagalpur, Dec. 22: Police today claimed that a fight over fishing rights in the Budi Gandak between the Maoists and some Bind criminals had led to the massacre of 11 rebels at Kashibaba diara on November 29, 2010.

The police’s claim was based on the confession of Pikesh Kumar, a Maoist who was arrested on Tuesday from Harinmar panchayat under Bariarpur police station in Munger.

A police officer said the rebel told the interrogators that the criminals, belonging to the backward community, used to enjoy fishing rights in the Budi Gandak passing through Kashibaba diara. The officer quoted Pikesh as saying that the Maoists had sought levy from the criminals for fishing in the river.

“This triggered a dispute between the two groups. The Bind gang invited the Maoists to take part in a community feast at Kashibaba diara on November 29 last year. But when the rebels reached the spot, the criminals started firing at them. Eleven Maoists were shot dead, though Pikesh managed to flee,” the officer said.

Deputy superintendent of police (Jamalpur) Ranjan Kumar said Pikesh was wanted for his alleged involvement in a number of subversive activities in Khagaria, Saharsa, Begusarai and Munger.