MANGALORE: Anti Naxal Force (ANF) and district policemen reportedly exchanged fire with 20 to 25 Naxalites at Mittabagilu in Bolle forest in Belthangady taluk during a combing operation on Saturday.
Police sources told Express that both ANF and district police were tipped off about the movement of suspected Naxalites in the region had intensified combing operations from Saturday morning. At around 2 pm, the ANF team intercepted about 20 to 25 Naxalites who begun firing at ANF and policemen injuring one police constable Sadashiva Choudhry. The ANF retaliated and exchange of fire continued for over an hour.
When contacted IGP (Western Range) Pratap Reddy said combing operation had not been withdrawn despite injuries to a constable. “The ANF constable’s injuries are minor and the combing operation by ANF in the deep forest will continue until they achieve success in their operation,” he stressed.