Maoists strike again; vandalise NHAI office in Kerala

KOCHI: Suspected Maoists attacked the office of National Highway Authority of India at nearby Kalamassery and vandalised it this morning, police said.

Some files were found strewn on the floor and others found burnt, police said.

The incident is said to have occurred at around 9 AM. Some pamphlets of Maoists were also found from the spot.

Kochi Police Commissioner KG James, who visited the office, confirmed there was an attack and said they suspected it to be the handiwork of Maoists.

A forensic team also visited the office. This is the second attack by Maoists in Kochi after the one on the corporate office of Nitta Gelatin India Ltd at Panampilly Nagar in November last year.

Today's attack comes close on the heels of the attack by maoists on a tourist resort at Wayanad in north Kerala on Jan 25. The maoists had escaped into the forests after vandalising the premises and writing slogans against US President Barack Obama's visit to the country.

The six-member masked group, carrying firearms had barged into the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation's resort located in the forests and damaged computer and glass panes at the reception in the wee hours.