Missing security personnel yet to be traced

Dantewada, Dec 21 (UNI) More than 24 hours after about 12 security personnel went missing after a naxalite ambush near Gollapalli in the South Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, police have no whereabouts of missing security personnel.

At least 12 security were feared killed in the naxalite ambush yesterday.

Police sources said a 33 strong force, belonging to the state armed force and district police, were in the region to escort six policemen, who had fell ill during their posting in Kistaram police station area, when the Maoists rebels ambushed them near Tarlaguda nullah this afternoon.

Naxals opened fire on the police team and triggered a landmine blast.

Twelve personnel, including eight state armed force personnel, were missing while others have returned to their base.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) R K Vij said police have not reached the spot and exact situation could not be ascertained.

A team led by Superintendent of Police Rahul Sharma had reached the spot but could not reach the spot.

Meanwhile, villagers claimed to have spotted bodies of 12 police jawans. Sources said naxals had looted their AK 47, cartridges and hand grenades.

UNI