Slain policemen cremated as combing operation continues

Kolkata, Sep 22 (UNI) The bodies of two policemen, killed in yesterday's landmine blast, were cremated here today while combing operation continued in the Maoist-affected West Midnapore district to track down the culprits.

CID constables Utpal Bhakat and Basudeb Chakraborty received gun salutes as their bodies were cremated in presence of colleagues and members of the family.

Meanwhile, the journalists who sustained injuries in the blast, were brought to the city from Lalgarh in West Mindnapore district for treatment.

Altogether 29 people, including 19 policemen and seven mediamen, were injured in the incident.

The blast occurred when a police team was trying to defuse an explosive device in Jhitka forest near Lalgarh.

Three police vechicle drivers were also injured in the blast.

The injured policemen included two high ranking officials - Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Sumit Chaturvedi and Deputy Superintendent of Police(Operations) Shyam Singh.

UNI KDG PL SK KN1810