10 deadliest Naxal attacks in India in the last six years

Source: Hindustan Times

Five states in central and eastern India could be targets for attacks during a two-day strike called by Maoist rebels. Unprecedented spur in Naxal activities in states like Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and West Bengal have intensified with the ongoing Maoist upheaval.

With over 1500 killings in the past 8 years, this people's struggle has unfortunately transformed into a power struggle. Here is a list of the 10 deadliest Maoist attacks in India in the past five years.

1)  Attack on N Chandrababu Naidu (Oct. 2003)

The TDP chief and then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had a narrow escape, when he was on his way to Tirupati on October 1, 2003. The attack was carried out by a special team of Maoists at the foothills of Tirumala. A few seconds delay in triggering claymore mines saved his life.

2) Naxal Attack in Koraput (2004)

In a daring attack, over 1000 maoists atacked Orissa's district headquarters town of Koraput and looted 200 sophisticated guns and other weapons worth Rs 50 crore. they looted the district armoury, five police stations, Koraput jail, SP's office and the OSAP battalion.

3)  Jehenabad Jail break (2005)

On November 13, 2005, Maoists laid virtual siege to Jehenabad town and freed over 375 prisoners including 130 Naxalites. The operation continued for seven hours, killing several Ranvir Sena men and police personnels. They looted 185 rifles and 2000 rounds on ammunition.

4)  Naxal attacks in R. Udayagiri, 40 prisoners freed (Feb, 2006)

On March 24, 2006, over 500 Maoists lashed with arms and ammunition attacked the Orissa State Armed Police camp in the Gajapati district of Orissa, killing three policemen. They looted arms and freed around 40 prisoners.

5) Chattisgarh Naxal attack (2006)

Atleast 25 people were killed and 80 others injured, when over 800 armed Naxalites attacked a village in Dantewada district of Chattisgarh on July 17, 2006. The attack took place at Errabore relief camp where more than 4000 people had taken shelter. They also kidnapped more then 20 people, while 200 others fled from the spot.

6)  Naxalites kill JMM MP Sunil Mahato (2007)

Armed Naxalites shot dead JMM MP (Lok Sabha) Sunil Kumar Mahato, his bodyguards and a party colleague while they were watching football match at Bakuria village near Jamshedpur in Jharkhand.

7)  Naxalites attack Police Outpost, kill 55 security personnel (2007)

Over 500 Naxalites attacked a police outpost in Chattisgarh's Rani Bodi village, killing 55 policemen. 24 of the deceased belonged to the state police, while 31 others were Special Police Officers (SPOs). Most of these policemen were asleep when this attack was carried out with lobbed grenades and bombs.

8)  Naxal attack in Dantewada, 303 prisoners freed (2007)

The Naxalites attacked the Dantewada jail and freed 303 prisoners, 100 out of which were Naxalites. It was reported that most of the prisoners fled to the jungles of Orissa, 25 out of them were recaptured but none of them were Naxalites.

9)  Naxalites kill Babulal Marandi's son (2007)

Former Jharkand CM Babulal Marandi's son Anup and 17 others were killed in a Naxal attack at the Chilkhadia village in Giridh district of Jharkhand. The Naxals opened indiscriminate fire and exploded bombs when a cultural programme was being held.

10)  Nayagarh Naxal Attack (2008)

The Naxal attack in Nayagarh on the night of February 15, 2008, was called the deadliest of all attacks that has been witnessed by the country. Hundreds of maoists came in buses and trucks, and laid siege of the district headquarters town in orissa. They killed 14 policemen and one civilian. They also torched the Police Training School. Over 700 state police personnel, CRPF, SOG Commandos, Special Greyhound Forces from Andhra Pradesh and IAF Helicopters launched massive offensive  on the Naxals at the Gasma mountain. Although 20 Maoists were reportedly killed, there were no captured prisoners.