Death toll in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh goes up to 13

With the death of two security personnel this morning, the toll in yesterday's Naxalite attack in Bastar Division's Bijapur district has gone up to 13.

Inspector General of Police T J Langkumer said, "As the helicopter could not arrive due to heavy downpour in the area, four critically injured police personnel -- who were in Bhadrakali Police Station -- could not be admitted to hospital."

He said two constables of state police Basant Korram and Wasim Toppo succumbed due to lack of treatment.

In all 12 security personnel and a civilian were killed in the ambush. Two injured constables Dhananjay Singh and Tikeshwar Singh are still lying in the police station.

The personnel martyred yesterday were identified as Special Police Officer Basant Kusram, head constables of state police -- Devraj and Rajendra Singh, constables Rajesh Patel, Shailuram Bhagat, Harendra Prasad, Mangal Bhagat, Gendlal Gawde, Rajendra Kumar Kerketta, Ghanshyam Kanaujia -- and tractor trolley driver Kursam Sammiya.

According to a police personnel, communication with other police stations could not be established as wireless sets in the Bhadrakali solice station remained defunct as batteries could not be charged due to power failure in the area for the last five days. The bodies of the victims were still lying in the police station.

The ambush was staged by Maoists when a 45-member patrol party was returning to Bhadrakali base camp at around 1830 hours yestrday evening.

About 100 Maoists were involved in the attack which took place barely four km away from the Bhadrakali police station.

A grain-laden tractor trolley was helping convey the personnel from Bhopalpatnam back to the camp. As their vehicle neared Meltacheru, the ultras -- concealed behind trees -- opened indiscriminate fire at the personnel, police said.

NNN