The body of Aslan Maskhadov, Chechen rebel leader killed by the FSB troops, must return to the relatives, Russian media said Tuesday.

Some rights activists said Aslan Maskhadov must be buried at home and that Russian officials had no right to keep it. "We think the refusal to hand back the killed man’s body to his relatives for burial is shameful," said a statement published on Web site www.zaprava.ru.

Russian newspapers also joined the statement, saying the move would make Chechen rebel groups angry.

Aslan Maskhadov was killed March 8 in the village of Tolstoi-Yurt, not far from Groznyy, after the troops were targeted to the location. The bounty for his liquidation was announced $10 million. An official who declined to be named hinted that the information was provided by the residents from the North Caucasus.

"Close examination of the official picture of the special operation raises doubts over its veracity," said popular tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets.

Aslan Maskhadov was elected Chechen president in 1997. Some analysts say he was the only chance for Russia to negotiate with Chechnya.