Naxals set ablaze 47 vehicles

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, Apr 25 (UNI) As many as 47 vehicles, including 43 dumpers, belonging to Essar Steel engaged in iron ore mining in Bastar region, were set ablaze allegedly by naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Danetewada district last night.

A pamphlet found on the spot said the ultras had resorted to arson to protest export of iron ore outside Chhattisgarh.

After setting ablaze 43 dumpers, 3 pokelain machines and one tanker at the worksites at Kirandul, Patelpara and Kadampal, several hundred naxalites retreated to the adjoining forested hillocks. No arrest has been made so far, police said.

Essar Steel exports iron ore mined from Bastar region to different countries through Vishakhapatnam port. From the mines, iron ore is transported to the port through pipeline.

UNI XC-SP 1123