Maoist 'scare' forces MP BJP MLAs to abort poll campaign

Madhya Pradesh BJP MLAs today abandoned their campaign for the local bodies polls midway following a naxal scare, prompting police to launch a hunt.

BJP MLAs Ramesh Bhatere, Ram Kishore Kanvre and Bhagat Netam, who were campaigning for local bodies elections, suspected that ultras were closing in on them, following which they took shelter in Kanha Pride Resort at Baihar town, Balaghat SP Sachin Atulkar said.

The MLAs then informed police about presence of ultras outside the resort, following which a heavy police contingent was rushed to the resort.

The SP said that the police force, led by Baihar's Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP), rushed to the spot after the MLAs pressed the panic button.

The MLAs and another BJP leader were first escorted to Baihar town amid heavy security and later to Balaghat, Atulkar said, adding a hunt was launched in the area to find out presence of Maoists.