21 Orissa policemen feared killed by Maoists

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MALKANGIRI, Jul 17 (PTI): In the second major strike by Maoists in Orissa in less than three weeks, 21 Orissa policemen were feared killed in a landmine explosion and firing by the ultras in Malkangiri district Wednesday.

The van carrying the members of the Special Operations Group (S.O.G.) was on its way from MPV 126, 50km from here, to MPV-41, when the landmine went off.

The S.O.G. personnel were going to the place where the house of a BJP leader was attacked by the Maoists last night.

"We suspect that all the 21 personnel in the van were killed in the incident," Director General of Police Gopal Chandra Nanda told PTI.