Naxals set afire JCB machine opposing forest road construction

Balaghat (MP), Apr 24 (PTI) Opposing construction of a road in forest area, naxalites set afire a JCB machine engaged in the developmental work under the Hatta Police Station area, 50 kms from here, police said today. The incident took place last night when naxalites totalling about 20-22 including three women have set ablaze the machine that was engaged in the construction of the road from Kothia to Kasangi, 22 kms from the police station, they said. After destroying the JCB, the naxalites told the watchman to inform the contractor that the machine was set ablaze as he (contractor) was a police informer and a traitor. They also left few pamphlets at the spot warning that by constructing roads, forest area will get damaged, police said. Balaghat Superintendent of Police (SP) Sachin Atulkar confirmed the incident and has rushed towards the spot. Further details about the incident will be known after the SP will return from the spot, police added. PTI COR MAS