Gubbiga-Tallurangadi near Agumbe in the district where Naxals had burnt Bangalore bound KSRTC bus on July 1, evidenced another major Naxal strike on wee hours of Sunday.
A group of armed Naxals who looted four houses in the village made away with Rs 85,000 cash, 500 gram gold, silver ornaments and a SBML gun.
The incident is retaliation for Menasinahadya encounter where Police had gunned down five persons including a Naxal. Maoists who barged into the houses have threatened the inmates with point blank range and have looted cash and gold.
Naxals had also said that the amount will be used to compensate the families of those who were killed in Menasinahadya encounter.
Naxals who knocked the house of Nagesh in Tallurangadi around 1.15 am fired two rounds in air when their call to open the door was not obliged.
Threaten
Later when the door was opened they threatened Nagesh and his wife Bhoodevi with point blank range and took Rs 13,000 cash and 170 grams gold. Team comprised of five armed Maoists of which three were ladies.
From Nagesh’s house, Naxals moved to the house of Umesh, brother of Nagesh who is small contractor and manages transport business around 1.50 am. Maoists alleged of sub- standard work undertaken by Nagesh under Naxal package.
They also warned him against extending support for BJP and asked him to maintain distance from MLA Araga Jnanendra sources said. Nagesh was relieved of Rs 50,000 cash and 160 gram gold.
Houses of Satish, member of Bidaragodu Gram Panchayat and Shankrappa, a farmer were also attacked by Naxals where they snatched cash and gold. Maoists had also warned the owners of houses against indulging in money lending business. Sources told Deccan Herald the group comprised 12 armed persons. They had cut off power and telephone lines before they struck.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, MLA Araga Jnanendra, who visited the spot, demanded protection for people in Malnad region. “The people are reeling under the terror unleashed by Naxals. The government should come to their rescue. Malnad population is scattered and single-houses are common in the region. Strikes from Naxals has affected life.”
SP Arun Chakravarthy said combing will be intensified in the region. “Police will strengthen intelligence network and local people will be involved in anti-Naxal operation.”