Chhattisgarh: Maoists claim airstrike in Bastar jungles, forces deny

The banned Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday alleged in a two-page press note that the security forces bombed Kottam, Rasam, Eraam, Sakiler, Madapa, Duled, Kannemarka, Potemangum and Bottam areas on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.

Calling it a lie, Bastar Inspector General P Sundarraj said that these are part of Maoist conspiracy to distract and scare people.

When contacted, CRPF D-G Kuldiep Singh denied there was any operation carried out against Maoists. “No such operation has taken place,” he said. “Also, we come in aide of the state police; state police lead operations.”

The Maoist release, issued by Dandakaranya Zonal Committee’s spokesperson Vikalp, alleged that more than 50 bombs were dropped within an hour, targeting them. No injuries were reported, it mentioned.

In April last year, DKZC had alleged a drone strike and released the picture of a fallen drone.

Bastar I-G Sundarraj said: “In Bastar, like the rest of country, security forces are involved in protecting life and property. The Maoists are trying to malign our image out of desperation at losing ground. Their leaders, all outsiders, are misusing tribal people. It is time people see their real, violent faces.”

The CRPF said in a statement, “CRPF denies all allegations leveled of any attack on Maoists using drones. Maoists are losing support of the locals due to good governance, which is why they are spreading lies.”

With ENS-Delhi inputs