Encounter with Naxalites during the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh (symbolic picture)
There is news of encounter between Naxalites and police in Bijapur and Kanker districts during the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh. This encounter took place in the southern part of Padera. It is being told that due to the encounter all the voters left the polling booth and ran away. This encounter lasted for about 5-10 minutes. Maoists were seen running away carrying 2-3 dead bodies, blood stains and marks of dragging the dead bodies were also found on the spot. Bijapur SP has confirmed the encounter between Naxalites and police.
Voting is being held today in a total of 20 assembly constituencies including 12 assembly seats of Bastar division of Chhattisgarh. Police officials said that an encounter took place with Naxalites this afternoon near Panawar village in Bande police station area of Kanker district. To ensure peaceful voting, teams of Border Security Force (BSF) and District Reserve Guard were sent for patrolling. As soon as the team reached near Panawar village, the Naxalites started firing.
After this, retaliatory action was also taken by the security forces. Firing continued from both sides for some time, after which the Naxalites fled from there. After searching the spot, the security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle. Some Naxalites are likely to be killed and injured in the incident. At present the patrol team is investigating the entire area.
