Naxals assault trader in Dantewada

Raipur: A jewellery trader was seriously injured when Naxals attacked him in Chhattisgarh's in insurgency-hit Dantewada district on Friday.

The incident occurred when trader Manoj Soni was at his shop during the weekly market in Palnar village under Kuwakonda police station limits today, which is also the first day of week-long 'Jan Pituri Saptah' observed by Naxals, a senior police official told PTI.

A group of Naxals, armed with sharp weapons stormed into the shop and attacked Soni three to four times before fleeing from the spot.

The incident led to a stampede-like situation in the market, he said.

Soon after the incident, police personnel rushed Soni to a nearby hospital from where he was shifted to Jagdalpur for further treatment, he said.

Meanwhile, a hunt has been launched in the region to nab the attackers, he added.

The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) in Bastar is observing 'Jan Pituri Week' from June 5 till June 11 in memory of their leaders. They also work on recruitment of new cadres during the week.

 According to police sources,?patrolling by paramilitary forces has been intensified in naxal-infested areas in an anticipation of enhanced Maoist activity.