Orissa's minister for cooperation Arabinda Dhali escaped an attempt on his life on Saturday evening while on a tour to Malkangiri district, according to official sources. Dhali was proceeding from mv-79 village to Kalimela in a car when suspected naxalites blew up a culvert using land mines. But the minister had a narrow escape as the explosion occurred a few seconds after his car had crossed the culvert.
The ultras then opened fire at the minister's car but missed the target.
Dhali then drove straight into the Kalimela police station, the sources said.

Bureau Report