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Maoist massacre in Chhattisgarh : 31 killed |
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In the worst incident of its kind, Maoist rebels killed 31 persons in Errobore village, in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Monday, July 17. Twenty-one others were injured in the attack, some of them critically. The Maoist rebels, who numbered about 1000, also abducted over 100 persons. Later, they killed six of the kidnapped persons.
The rebels simultaneously attacked a Salwa Jadum relief camp, a CRPF camp and a police station - all in the same village - and set about 200 huts on fire before escaping into the forests.
Close to a thousand Naxalites went on the rampage for nearly two hours in the village, about 550 km. from the Chhattisgarh capital. Five persons were burnt alive as the outlaws set the camp on fire. Most of the other victims were hacked to death.
The area was deserted after the mayhem and the tension and anger was palpable. Many blamed the Salwa Judam (villagers campaign against Naxalites) and its leaders for provoking the mayhem.
According to a special police officer at the camp, the Naxals struck just after midnight. Residents woke up to find the village cordoned off by an army of Naxals. There were only 22 security personnel at the camp and police station, he said. Four companies of additional forces - CRPF and NAP - have been rushed to the spot and a search operation has been mounted to nab the outlaws.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam said the Government will set up two committees to probe a security lapse, if any, at the Errabore relief camp. The panels will also ensure fool-proof security at all relief camps in Naxal infested areas.
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