Post News Network
Dhama, July 26: After a few months of lull, Maoists have become active again in Sambalpur district as they struck Dakara village, about 10 km from Dhama police station, late Saturday night.
Armed with pistols and sharp-edged weapons, more than 30 suspected left wing extremists entered the house of Ignesh Barua and made away with gold jewellery, three mobile phones and cash. Ajaya Lakra was injured after Maoists hacked him with a sharp-edged weapon while bloodstains were found on the verandah of a cycle shop at Ambakuni Square.
A team of police personnel, led by local OIC Lokanath Sahu, reached the village and started an investigation following an order from superintendent of police Akhileswar Singh.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a combing operation in Asuragarh and Dhama reserve forest to catch the Maoists. Police sources said a case was registered in this regard at Dhama police station under Section 395 of IPC. However, no arrest was made till this report was filed.
Sources said the Red rebels entered the house of Ignesh when his family members were having dinner at around 11.30 pm. As soon as a woman opened the door on hearing knocks, three armed Maoists entered the house. The gun-wielding persons, who were conversing in Hindi, claimed they were Maoists and asked the family to serve them food.
They also told the family that two women cadres were ill. However, the family expressed its inability to serve food for so many people.
After a while, two other ultras entered the house and demanded ` 50,000. As the family members expressed their inability, the Maoists broke open an almirah and took away jewellery, three mobile phones and ` 600. They also attacked Ajaya on his shoulder. He was admitted to a hospital.
However, the SP rejected the involvement of Maoists in the loot and called it an act of hooligans who carried out the strike in the name of ultras. He said combing has been launched in the reserve forest near Dakara.
