11 CISF jawans, 4 Maoists killed in Orissa gunbattle

At least 11 CISF jawans and four Maoists were killed in a gunfight triggered by a daring pre-poll attack by the ultras on a well-guarded armoury and bauxite mine of Nalco in Orissa's Koraput district, police said on Monday.

More than 100 workers present at the site during the attack late on Sunday night were safe.

"Eleven CISF jawans posted at hilltop mines in Damanjodi were killed and 15 others injured in the gunbattle that continued for over five hours after the ultras struck last
night," director general of police MM Praharaj said.

Bodies of four Maoists, including a woman, along with along a light machine gun and a rifle were found at the site, he said. Striking with precision, over 200 heavily armed Maoists, including women cadre, formed different groups and looted CISF armoury in the mining area and took away at least a dozen rifles and light machine guns.

The well planned attack, apparently aimed at affecting the upcoming polls and loot weapons and explosives, took place shortly after 9.30 pm in Asia's biggest bauxite mines. Security force comprising jawans of CRPF, Elite Special Operation Group (SOG) and district police have reached the site, police said.