45 security personnel missing after Maoist attack

Jagdalpur, July 10: Nearly 45 security personnel, mostly belonging to the Central Armed Reserve Police Force (CRPF), went missing tonight after an encounter with the Maoists in the thick forests between Regergetta and Arpametta villages near Errabore in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

Police sources did not rule out the possibility of casulaties saying that many security personnel have been injured in the Maoist attack when they were returning after a raid at a Maoist hideout in the forests.

Meanwhile quoting preliminary reports, Director general of police Vishwaranjan told UNI that atleast 13 security personnel were missing and any other details could be available in the morning. He said additional security personnel have been rushed to the spot.

Reports received from South Bastar said a gun battle was still on between the Maoists, who were said to be about 300 in numbers, and the security personnel in the forests in hilly terrain.

UNI