From correspondents in Jharkhand, India, 06:30 PM IST

Kamsheshwar Baitha, jailed Maoist leader and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate for state's Palamau parliamentary constituency, won by a margin of over 21,000 votes.

Baitha, who has been in jail for the last four years, defeated rival Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) sitting Member of Parliament Ghuran Ram. More than 40 criminal cases, including killing of security personnel, have been lodged against Baitha.

The JMM candidate's nomination was filed by his wife. Also, his election campaign was managed by her.

Baitha also fought the Chatra Lok sabha by-election on Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) ticket in 2007.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)