Dantewada: Victory over Maoists; policemen safe

Raipur, Aug 5: The 70 policemen reported missing were found to be safe after the gunbattle between Moaists and security forces, which began on Wednesday, Aug 4 morning at around 11 am ended in the evening.

Maoists attacked a search team of the state police in the forests of Gumiapal setting off the gunbattle.

"Our courageous jawans displayed bravery in the encounter that began around 11 am and stretched till evening. Now the gun fight is over and all policemen are safe... they are on their way back but returning very slowly as there is a possibility of landmines or ambushes in their forested way after sunset," Director General of Police Vishwa Ranjan is quoted as saying in a news agency report.

On receiving a tip-off about the presence of a unit headed by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) commander Ganesh Uike, a contingent of the District Force and Koya Commando comprising special police officers (SPOs) went to the thickly forested area of Gumiapal, located about 420 km south of capital Raipur, informed state police spokesperson Rajesh Mishra.

"It is really a major relief... Maoists were never allowed during the six-hour battle to dominate us. It is good to know that all our jawans are safe," said Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) TJ Longkumer.

OneIndia News