Maoists kidnap nine villagers from Odisha

Suspected Maoists allegedly kidnapped nine persons from two villages in Mathili block in Odisha's Malkangiri district bordering Chhattisgarh, which witnessed back-to-back Naxal violence in the last three days.
Those abducted late last night include Trinath Bhumia, a former block chairman of Mathili. While five abducted persons belonged to Kirtanpalli village, two hailed from nearby Barha village, sources said.
"It is suspected that a group of Maoists was involved in the incident. The nine persons were called out of their houses and taken away," Director General of Police Sanjeev Marik told reporters.
"We are in constant touch with the Malkangiri SP and details are awaited," he said.

"We have received information in this regard. A police team has been sent to the villages. The police can confirm the incident only after the team reaches villages bordering Chhattisgarh," said Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra, adding the reported villages are located in a difficult terrain.
A report reaching the district headquarters said a group of armed Maoists entered the villages after midnight and asked ward member of Kirtanpalli village for discussion. Then, they kidnapped the nine people at gun-point, sources said.
Meanwhile, panic gripped the area after the abduction. According to sources in the district police headquarters, efforts are on to launch a search operation in the area to trace the abducted villagers.