The Hindu : Front Page : 32 constables missing after naxalite attack

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Monday, Jun 30, 2008
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32 constables missing after naxalite attack

G. Narasimha Rao

VISAKHAPATNAM: Thirty two Greyhound constables of the Andhra Pradesh police were missing and 10 injured after the banned CPI (Maoist) attacked a motor launch carrying a police team in the Chitrakonda reservoir in Orissa, close to the Andhra Pradesh border, on Sunday morning.

The place is about 30 km. from the Sileru power station.

The launch, carrying 62 officers and constables, capsized when those on board tried to counter the attack. A large number of policemen were engaged in the rescue operation, said Director General of Police S.S.P. Yadav late in the evening.

The Maoists were observing a protest week from June 26 against the Central government-led “oppression and elimination” methods and the steep hike in prices of commodities.

The incident occurred around 10.30 a.m. when the Greyhound team was returning after a joint operation with the Orissa police. The naxalites opened fire from all sides, said Superintendent of Police of Visakhapatnam Akun Sabharwal, who rushed to Chitrakonda on hearing the news, and SP of Malkangiri in Orissa Satish Kumar Gajbhiye, when contacted by The Hindu.

Three of the injured constables — Srinivasa Raju, Rambabu and Md. Khaza Mia — were brought here by a Navy helicopter. It is said they had to remain in water for a long time before reaching the shore.

According to some reports, the attack was carried out by the Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee’s State Military Committee, which recently held training sessions in Orissa.

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