Raipur: 70 policemen missing after Maoist attack

Raipur, Aug 4: About 70 police personnel were reported missing in Chhattisgarh forests amid a major gunfight between heavily armed Maoists and the security forces in Dantewada area, on Wednesday, Aug 4, authorities said.

"About 70 police personnel are missing," a source at the police headquarters said.

"Additional forces have been rushed to the site. The gun battle is on amid heavy rain. I can't comment anything now about casualty or injury but it's a major fight," the police officer told.

The gunfight began when Maoists attacked a search party of the state police in a thickly forested area of Gumiapal, close to Kirandul, about 420 km south of capital Raipur, an iron ore mining facility of India's top iron ore producer NMDC Ltd, on Wednesday, Aug 4.

"Police headquarters is awaiting details about the encounter. Our brave policemen are giving them (Maoists) a very tough fight," said Mishra, an inspector general of police.

Heavy rain is taking place in the area, making it difficult for reinforcements and the rescue team to reach.

OneIndia News