Naxals have abducted civilians Sabhash Gavade, Gagan Gawade and Vijay Madavi from Daldal Kuhi village under Salekasa tehsil in Gondia district of Maharashtra on April 1. Their families had not lodged a police complaint, fearing Naxal backlash.
“Around 20 Naxals came to the village at 8 p.m. and forcibly took away the three persons,” Inspector of Salekasa Police Station Sabale told The Hindu over the phone.
“When we came to know about the incident, we took suo motu cognizance of it and filed a complaint on Tuesday,” said Mr. Sabale.
Daldal Kuhi is hardly five km from Marartola village where Naxals and police had exchanged fire two weeks ago, resulting in serious injuries to two policemen.
The police claimed that Salkasa Naxal Dalam commander Rakesh was seriously wounded in the encounter.
Mr. Sabale did not rule out the possibility of a connection between the Marartola encounter and the Monday abductions.
Meanwhile, some Naxal activities were reported from Gondia’s neighbouring district Gadchiroli.
No casualty
Some Naxals reportedly opened fire on a police patrol team near Malewada village in Kurkheda division of Gadchiroli on Tuesday evening.
The Gadchiroli police have confirmed the firing. There was no report of casualty from either side.
