Nine cops hurt in Naxal-planted landmine blast in Gadchiroli

Nagpur, Mar 14 (UNI) Nine policeman engaged in anti-Naxal operations escaped with slight injuries when the ultra leftists triggered a powerful landmine blast near Fulmodi Gatta village in Dhanora taluka of Naxaliites-infested Gadchiroli district last night, police said today.

The policemen, attached to the anti-Naxal squad, were patrolling the area in two anti-landmine vehicles when the powerful blast threw up one vehicle 25 feet high into the air and forced the second to halt. Nine personnel in the first vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The blast left a deep crater, police added.

About 60 to 70 Naxalites, who had planted the land mine, also exchanged fire with police personnel in the second vehicle which came to halt on seeing the first vehicle blasted high into the air.

However, no body was injured on either side in the exchange of fire and the Naxals fled into nearby forests taking cover of the darkness, police added.

The wounded policemen were treated in civil hospital at Gachiroli.

Reinforcements have been sent to the area and combing operation lanched to flush out the ultras, police sources said.

UNI NNG SA VD RN2003