JOIN USNaxals edge out cops in gadgetry
The encounter with the naxals during combing operations at Malavanthige near here has exposed the ultras’ access to highly advanced technology.
According to reliable sources, the naxals were found to have been using technological applications which gave them an edge over the cops. The ultras were in possession of walkie-talkies capable of intercepting the police network in a five kilometre radius.
One thing in common was the earphone walkie-talkies that both the naxals and the police use to avoid the cacophony of a normal walkie-talkie.
Earphone walkie-talkies were provided to police only two years ago. However, it is compulsory for the ANF cops to have earphone walkie-talkies while on combing operation.
The ANF personnel also found solar chargers for laptops and mobile phones at the spot (Krishnagiri), which is again something that the cops had not been provided with.
Sources said very often the laptops used by cops die down in the woods and solar chargers were surely an advantage for the ultras.
It is learnt that ANF IGP Alok Kumar and SP Vasudeva Murthy checked the earphones of the naxals and found them capable of intercepting the police network.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Alok said a huge quantity of ammunition - 30 grenades, 140 rounds of bullets of SRL guns, 106 rounds of bullets of 303 guns, seven rounds of bullets of 9 mm pistols, a US-made auto pistol and a gun - and naxal literatures (in Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, English and Kannada) were seized from the spot where the naxals had camped.
The quantity seized is the highest so far in the State, he said.
Alok said stacks of clothes, two quintal rice were also found at the camp. The scenes were suggestive that about 10 people, including a couple of women, had camped there.
“Looking at the quantity of weapons stored, it is obvious that they were out to plan something big. However, we are here to thwart their plans. Combing operations will be intensified,” he said.
After a meeting of top officials of the ANF, the search parties proceeded to Krishnagiri at 9.30 am on Sunday. Five teams were deployed to guard the spot where the naxals camped. Sadashiva Choudhary, a constable attached to the ANF, suffered a bullet injury during exchange of fire with naxals at Mittabagilu in Belthangady taluk on Saturday.
A naxal camp was sighted during the combing operation launched subsequently. The ultras fled the spot after an exchange of fire.