Maoists have abducted the sarpanch and 10 residents of Chintagufa village in Sukma district of south Chhattisgarh. Sukma district police said the villagers were abducted on the intervening night of September 15 and 16.
The abductions have created anxiety in the Anti-Naxal Operations Unit of Chhattisgarh police as three of the abducted are the family members of former sarpanch Podiyam Panda. They include Mr. Panda’s wife and current sarpanch Podiyam Muye, their son Podiyam Kosa, and his brother and deputy sarpanch Podiyam Komal. Mr. Panda had surrendered a few months ago after he was branded a Maoist leader by the police.
Abhishekh Meena, Superintendent of Police, Sukma district, appealed to journalists and human rights groups to help secure the release of the abducted villagers.
Mr. Meena said, “These abductions have exposed the heinous face of the Maoists. This shows that Panda’s surrender was an important event. That is why his family members are being harassed now.”
Jawan hurt in IED blast
A Special Task Force jawan of Chhattisgarh police and a woman were injured in an IED blast in restive Naryanpur district of south Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.
Santosh Singh, Superintendent of Police, Narayanpur district, said: “The Maoists triggered an explosion in Orchha town of Narayanpur targeting an STF team.
“The blast occurred near the weekly market. STF jawan Kailash Netam and Mushed Somram, a resident of Pedkapal village, suffered injuries.”
