Maoists vandalize & loot Forest Range Office in Nayagarh

Nayagarh: Despite heightened security in view of the ongoing general elections, seven armed Maoists allegedly looted and vandalized the office of Banigochha Forest Range near Daspalla Police Station in the district late night on Tuesday.

According to sources, the ultras robbed four guns, seven mobile phones and have caused huge damage to the office property.

"Armed Maoists entered into the village and asked me about guns. When I refused to cooperate, they dragged me into the forest office premises. Later they vandalized the office premises and decamped with four guns," said Forester Hemanta Kumar Kandi.

"A group of seven Maoists including three females entered into our village and threatened me before barging into my house. They looted mobile phones from my house," said an eye witness, Gouribala Kandi.

The Forest authorities have lodged a complaint in connection with the incident at Daspalla Police Station.

Daspalla IIC, Biswajit Routray informed that probe has been initiated to ascertain the details about the incident.

In 2008, Naxalites had killed 14 people, including 13 policemen, besides injuring 10 others and looting Nayagarh district armoury after virtually laying siege the police training school, Nayagarh and Daspalla Police Stations.