Mystery still clouds the death of Hem Pandey, in an 'encounter' along with Maoist leader Azad, on or around July 1. While Pandey’s wife Babita stated that he was on an assignment, police insisted he was a Maoist and Hindi newspapers quickly distanced themselves from his writings.  This excerpt from SANHATI.COM establishes his journalistic credentials, but only a thorough investigation into Hem Pandey’s death will tell us how he died.