Firing between ANF and Maoist group

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Apr 22, 2012: There was an exchange of fire between Maoists and the Anti Naxal Force (ANF) at Kuthloor in Venoor in Belthangady on the evening of Friday.

According to IGP (Western Range) Prathap Reddy, this happened at around 5:30 p.m. 

The ANF team was engaged in its usual combing operation when they came across a group of Maoists. According to the IGP, the six Maoists opened fire first, and in retaliation, the ANF fired three rounds, upon which the Maoists fled the scene. 

The people of Punjalabetta, however, have accused the ANF of cooking up stories to strengthen their case against Vittal Malekudiya, who is also from Kuthloor. They say that they did not hear any firing and heard the news only on TV.