5 Naxals arrested in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Five Naxals were arrested after a gun battle between the rebels and a joint contingent of Special Task Force and police in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-hit Kanker district, police said today.

The Naxals were arrested in the forest area of Mujalgodi Pahadi last night, Kanker DSP M Z Baig said.

The jawans, who were conducting area domination operation in the region since July 15, spotted the left extremists in the hilly zone of Mujalgodi Pahadi, over 200 km from here. On seeing the security personnel, rebels triggered a pressure- bomb blast and opened indiscriminate fire, he said.

Exchange of fire continued for around two hours after which the Naxals fled to the forest. "A jawan received minor injuries in the blast and was airlifted to Raipur," the DSP said.

A combing operation was launched after the firing ceased, and five ultras - Jhitku Ram (21), Saggu Ram (19), Ratti Ram (27), Ramsingh (35) and Lakhmu Ram (30) - were nabbed, he said.

Wire, couple of detonators, camera and a motorcycle were recovered from the encounter spot. The arrested Naxals were produced today in a local court, which remanded them in judicial custody.