STF caught off unguard

Banda, July 23 (UNI) The STF personnel, who managed to escape in yesterday's encounter with the dreaded dacoit Thokia, has alleged the team was caught off guard.

Sheshan Singh, the STF personnel' said ''a team of 21 jawans was attacked unexpectedly by the dreaded Thokia gang when it was returning from Banda.'' Six STF personnel and an informer died in the attack, while four others were grievously wounded in the incident.

''The STF personnel opened fired in reply that extended 45 minutes and managed to surround the aides, but the kingpin managed to hide somewhere in the jungle,'' the personnel added.

UNI