Crime Branch begins probe into Sunki explosion
KORAPUT : A Five-member Crime Branch team from Bhubaneswar on Saturday began its inquiry into the landmine explosion in the hilly Sunki-Salur road near Koraput’s Pottangi that claimed lives of eight policemen four days back.
The team members, led by DSP PK Mishra, arrived in Koraput in the morning and visited Pottangi police station to record the statements of the police officers there.
ASP VR Rao and Sunabeda SDPO Smith P Parmar accompanied the team to Pottangi. Another three-member forensic team from Bhubaneswar will collect samples from Sunki-Salur road on Sunday.
Meanwhile, BSF jawans from Ralegada camp have intensified combing operation in the area.
Eight security personnel were killed on Wednesday when Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) blasted a police vehicle using landmines. The ill-fated vehicle was carrying 12 assistant drivers besides the driver. They were on their way to the Police Training College (PTC) at Angul to attend a training programme when the Maoists triggered the blast between 4.30 pm and 5 pm. After being hit by the landmines, the vehicle toppled and rolled down the hill roads.
The security personnel belonged to Third Battalion of the Odisha State Armed Police (OSAP).