Maoists attack Nalco mine, two CISF jawans feared dead

BHUBANESWAR: In a daring strike, Maoists on Sunday night attacked a well-guarded bauxite mine of public sector NALCO in Orissa's Koraput district in which at least two CISF personnel were feared killed and at least 100 employees feared trapped.

A heavy exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists broke out following the attack by a large number of Maoists on Hiltop bauxite mines under Kukudiguma police station, deputy inspector general of police (south-west range) Sanjeev Panda said. Unconfirmed reports said that 40 to 60 Maoists may have been involved in the attack.

The attack took place around 9pm when about 12 CISF personnel were inside the canteen at the mine area, Asia's biggest bauxite mines, police said. Roads leading to the mine were also reportedly blocked by the ultras.

Over 100 employees were feared trapped as the Maoists surrounded the canteen and occupied strategic locations in groups, the sources said.

Reports from the site said that at least two CISF jawans deployed in the mines were feared killed, while police was getting details about loss of life and damage to structures in the area.

Additional security personnel have been rushed to the site, Panda said.