Maoists cry 17 of their 29 cadres shot in cold blood in Kanker

RAIPUR: Maoists on Saturday alleged that 17 of their 29 cadres killed in the April 16 Kanker encounter were shot dead in cold blood by the security forces.

Police have rejected the charge, terming the allegation a "ruse to gain people's sympathy and discredit the security forces".

Maoist spokesperson for north sub-zonal bureau, Mangli, alleged that after the encounter, security forces rounded up unarmed or injured Maoists and shot them down. He announced a bandh on April 25 in Mohla-Manpur, Kanker and Narayanpur, a day before Kanker goes to poll.

A joint team of BSF and District Reserve Guards had launched a massive anti-Maoist operation on April 16 in the forests of Chhotebethiya in Kanker. Three jawans were injured in the gunfight.