Maoists attack CRPF camp in Chhattisgarh

Jagdalpur, Dec 2 (UNI) Armed Naxalites attacked a camp of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) tonight at village Cherpal, about 12 Kms from Bijapur town in tribal Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

Police sources said the Maoists, numbering about 1000, cordoned off the CRPF camp at around 2030 hours and opened fire, forcing the Para-military forces to retaliate. Firing was still on in the area and preliminary reports indicated that the CRPF personnel were safe.

A company of CRPF personnel and about 50 special police officers (SPOs), the local tribal youth recruited to assist the police and para military forces were present in the Cherpal camp, the sources added.

Further details were awaited.

UNI XC JJ PK DB2324