Maoists Wreak Violence In Odisha; Thrash Road Workers, Set Afire Vehicles

Rayagada: A group of over 60 suspected Maoists allegedly thrashed workers and burnt several vehicles engaged in a road construction work near Gumma village under Kalyansinghpur block of Rayagada district late Tuesday night.

Posters, bearing the name of the naxals of Rayagada division, opposing the road construction project were also found from the spot.

Sources said the administrative authorities have taken up a road project worth Rs 10 crore from Naringtoli to Gumma to fulfill the much-needed road communication for the welfare of local Dongria Kondh community.

However, over 60 members of the outlawed outfit reached the construction site yesterday at around 12 PM and attacked two workers after tying them. Later, they set afire two JCBs, a roller and a mixture machine engaged in the construction work.

The Naxals left behind some posters alleging that constructing road in Niyamgiri area, the Vedanta Company is trying to exploit the mineral resources of the region. The Maoists also issued death threats to those involved in the project and asked the authorities to immediately stop the construction work.