Date:12/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/12/stories/2008121251310300.htm

Karnataka - Shimoga

Suspected naxals visit village

Special Correspondent

SHIMOGA: Suspected naxalites who were lying low since the killing of the their three colleagues in an encounter with the police near Kalasa in Chikmagalur district last month have surfaced again in parts of Hosanagar taluk in the district, according to sources.

The sources said that the presence of a gang of suspected naxalites was noticed on Tuesday night at Melusunka village near Mastikatte in Hosanagar taluk. They reportedly threatened the villagers and decamped with foodgrains.

They told the villagers that they would be killed if they gave information about their (naxalites) visit to the police, it is said.

It was stated that a suspected naxalite in uniform with a rifle visited the houses of Puttappa, Susheelamma, Channa and Raghu in the village.

He and his associates barged in and fled with foodgrains and other eatables even as the villagers resisted them.

It was learnt that they left behind naxal pamphlets before leaving the village. It was learnt that the police, who received information, visited the village on Wednesday.

The police and the anti-naxal squad have stepped up combing operations following the confirmation of the visit of the suspected naxalites to Melusunka.