Maoists strike again, kill 23 cops in Chhattisgarh

Carrying out another big strike in Chhattisgarh, Maoist cadres have killed at least 23 security personnel in the forests near Errabore in Dantewada district, some 550 km from Raipur. Another 12 securitymen are said to be in critical condition.

The securitymen, who numbered 115, were ambushed last evening by some 300 Maoists.

State Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam, who said search and combing operations were on, claimed that at least two dozen Maoists were also killed in the firefight.

The attack took place after securitymen, on being alerted about the presence of Maoists, headed for a hilltop at Uppelmetta.