THIRUVANNATHAPURAM: Firing was reported between Maoists and Thunderbolt personnel near Upavan Resort at Wayanad Gate, catching the police unawares on Wednesday night. One Maoist activist was said to be seriously injured in the skirmish.
State police chief Loknath Behera confirmed the firing but awaited further details of the operation on the part of Thunderbolts. He said the action apparently continued late into night.
Mr Behera said that the Maoists also demanded ransom, which the local eatery outfit refused to comply with.
An eyewitness told DC that a band of Maoists came to the Upavan Resort around 8 pm and demanded food. As the resort prepared food for the Maoists, someone informed the police.
The police soon arrived on the spot right on the highway and soon there was an exchange of fire. The sound of staccato firing could be heard kilometres away, the eye witness told DC.
Sources said the area was relatively peaceful and this was the first time that the Maoists dared to make their presence felt on the national highway, apparently unmindful of the repercussions.
