Home Ministry rushing additional forces to Chhattisgarh

NEW DELHI: After a major Naxal attack on a Congress rally in Chhattisgarh, the Union Home Ministry tonight said it is rushing additional paramilitary forces to help launch a combing operation for release of abducted leaders.

"Home Ministry has sent additional forces to Chhattisgarh to assist the local administration in launching combing operations for rescue of kidnapped persons," Home Ministry sources said adding "the state government has been assured of all help".

The Home Ministry has also sought a report from the state government on today's violence. The MHA officials are in regular touch with state government officials and are monitoring the situation.

While senior Congress leader Mahendra Karma was killed in the attack, another leader VC Shukla is reported to be critical after sustaining three bullet injuries.

The Maoists also kidnapped PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel and his son Dinesh after attacking a convoy of Congress leaders in Darba Gati Valley in Jagdalpur district.