No Naxal presence in Telangana: Police

HYDERABAD: There is no Maoist activity in Telangana at present, but the ultras try to enter the state from neighbouring states and commit mischief, state Director General of Police Anurag Sharma said today.

"In our state there is no such trend (Maoist activity) at present...but they are attempting and we are aware of that. Definitely our police forces are prepared to tackle them and prevent them from entering our state (from bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra)," he said here.

"The LWE (left wing extremism) activities in the state are under effective check due to firm police action against the Naxalites. During the year, four extremist murders were reported against five in 2013. After formation of Telangana, only one incident of extremist murder was reported.

"We are not relenting in any manner," the Telangana police chief told reporters here at the year-end press meet.

"After bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the Greyhounds (anti-Naxal force) was divided and whatever units have come to us, they are good enough. We are also training the district special parties to tackle the Maoists," he said.

Seven incidents of shootout with Naxals took place during the year, resulting in the death of an extremist from a Maoist militia, he said.

As many as 68 members of the banned CPI (Maoist) surrendered before police while 18 extremists were arrested.

Referring to the last night's incident in Khammam where Maoists fired at a police party, the DGP said, "Khammam district police got information that Maoists are likely to attack Satyanarayanapuram cell tower and the SP directed a special police team to go and check if any such move is there.

"The police found 10-15 extremists with 20-30 militia members trying to attack the tower and destroy (by setting it on fire) it with petrol... the Maoists fired on them (police), who retaliated. After which the ultras fled leaving behind three weapons," Sharma added.