Daijiworld Media Network - Sringeri (SP)

Sringeri, Aug 22: The Anti-naxal Squad was engaged in an exchange of fire with the naxals at Yadadalli Dindodi near Nemmar near here, for about an hour on the morning of Friday August 21. Although none of the naxals could be caught, the policemen believe that a few of them would have sustained injuries.

The police team had launched a thorough search on Friday morning, after getting reliable information that a gang of naxals had found shelter at Valkigudda in Dindodi. As the policemen neared the spot where the naxals were hiding, a naxal woman on sentry duty there, fired at the policemen, thereby alerting the gang. The policemen retaliated, and the exchange of fire continued for about an hour.

After the naxals fled, the policemen found that one of the steel plates the naxals had used for having food, had been hit by a bullet. Blood was found splattered near the plate, which is supposed to be that of a naxal. The policemen immediately launched a combing operation in nearby villages like Sunkadamakki, Yadadalli, Harebeelalu etc., but in vain. Western range inspector general of police Gopal Hosur, superintendent of police Nagaraj and other senior officials visited the spot and guided the investigations.

Gopal hosur announced in a press conference, that the informants in this case, would be given a cash reward of Rs 50,000 within a day. He also said that a sum of about Rs 15 lac would be set aside for rewarding the informants in the future. As the naxals were holed up at higher altitudes, the policemen could not aim at the naxals properly. After the exchange of fire died down, the policemen visited the place and found out that the naxals had camped at the place since some days. A tent, three live grenades, detonator, bullets, naxal literature, walkie-talkie, clothes, cooking items, condoms, postal envelopes bearing different addresses, newspapers, battery, radio etc., have been recovered and the same would be properly investigated upon, Hosur explained.

He added, that the gang of naxals is believed to have 10 to 13 members and that the members of the anti-naxal gang numbering over 100, had participated in the operation under the leadership of deputy superintendent of police A Ahaad and circle inspector Sadanand Tippannavar. The members of the police team will be suitably rewarded, he said.

The policemen have also been searching the naxal-affected areas like Koodlu, Megadde and Tannir near Nadpal and Kabbinale, Mattavu, Tingamalamakki etc., near Mudrady, in view of the above incident.