Top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda has claimed responsibility for the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four others, which lead to large scale flare-up in Orissa's Kandhamal district, according to two local television channels.

Panda told the private Oriya channels on Saturday at an undisclosed destination that the Maoists decided to eliminate Saraswati as he was 'spreading social unrest' in the tribal-dominated district.

Panda alias Sunil said Maoists had earlier asked Saraswati to desist from 'such works' or face consequences, the reporters of the channels claimed.

"As Saraswati did not pay heed to our warning, he was killed," Panda told media persons, adding similar warnings have also been issued to 14 other people, mostly belonging to the Sangh Parivar in Kandhamal.

According to the reporters who attended the secret meet, they had to walk miles before holding a talk with Panda. They were asked to come on one vehicle without the knowledge of the police.

Panda is one of the most wanted Maoist cadre by the Orissa Police, official sources said.

There was no official reaction to the startling disclosure in the channels.