KalingaTimes Correspondent
Malkangiri(Odisha), July 17: The Maoist attack in Malkangiri district of Odisha on Wednesday afternoon has sent shockwaves among the people across the state, particularly in this tribal-dominated district which is witnessing a number of incidents of naxal violence in the recent months.

Seventeen policemen were killed when naxalites triggered a landmine blast blowing up an anti-landmine vehicle in which the victim policemen were travelling.

As the landmine blast occurred in an interior forest road, there was inconsistency over the death toll figures till late on Wednesday night.

The police, however, confirmed on Thursday morning that a total of 17 policemen, all belonging to different wings of the state police, were killed in the attack.

As the landmine blast occurred in an interior forested road, there was inconsistency over the death toll figures till late on Wednesday night.

The police, however, confirmed on Thursday morning that a total of 17 policemen, all belonging to different wings of the state police, were killed in the attack.

A large number of people gathered outside the office of the Superintendent of Police after the bodies of the victim policemen were brought here.

The remaining parts of the town, however, wore a deserted look as the people were yet to come to terms with the Maoist strike that claimed the lives of 17 policemen.

The landmine blast had shocked everyone as it was only on June 29 that the naxalites had attacked a boat in Balimela reservoir killing 38 persons.

The policemen working in the district appeared equally shocked. It was being said that the extremists used over 100 kg of high powered explosives to blast the anti-landmine van.

Such was the impact of the blast that the culvert under which the explosives were planted was completely damaged and the anti-landmine vehicle was lying several metres away from the blast spot.

According to the police, several bombs and banners that the Maoists had left behind had been recovered from the spot.

Meanwhile, combing operation had been intensified to trace the attackers. Additional companies of security personnel have been deployed in the area.