Maoists set fire to road construction equipment in Odisha

A group of armed ultras stormed the campsite of a contractor, engaged in the construction work of a road in Kalahandi district of Orrisa, and set fire to the equipment. The rebels also left some posters at the site expressing their opposition to the project.

Kalahandi (Orrisa): A group of maoists set fire to five tractors and several machines engaged in road construction in Orrisa on Tuesday. The machines, that were burnt in the blaze, were parked at a construction site in Panimunda village, falling under the Kalahandi district.

Tractor burnt by Maoists

"They came in a group of five to six people and told me to inform the contractor to stop the work, else the result would be more dangerous for him," said a worker engaged by the construction firm.

According to officials, the red rebels (Maoist group) who have been opposing construction of a new rural road between Urladani and Lahadi set ablaze five tractors and some machines used in the work.

SP Battula Gangadhar said," Before leaving, the Maoists left some posters at the site expressing their opposition to the road construction project in the area. Combing operation and patrolling in the area, bordering Kandhamal district has been intensified after the incident."

JCB burnt by Maoists

The road construction is being done under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).