23 rescued from Naxalite clutches

Jagdalpur, Aug 25 (UNI) Police today claimed to have rescued 23 people, who were abducted by Naxalites, from the forest near Gaganpalli in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) T J Langkumer told UNI that the Maoists had intercepted two taxis, which were on their way from Dornapal to Konta on Sukma-Konta highway in Dantewada district at around 1000 hours. The armed Naxalites rounded up 23 government employees from among the passengers and took them to the nearby forest.

Later, a patrolling party, comprising state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), found some stranded passengers, who informed the security forces that the rebels had taken 23 people as hostages. Subsequently, the police team launched a search operation in the nearby forests.

Mr Langkumer said the security forces traced the Naxalites and the abducted people in the forest near Gaganpalli village. Police raid at the Maoist hideout led to an encounter, forcing the rebels to flee from the spot and the hostages were rescued.

He said the security personnel, involved in the operation, would be rewarded.

UNI XC JJ MS HT1827