India: Naxals torch road-building equipment in Gadchiroli

Mumbai, May 13 (PTI) Naxals torched a water tanker and two other road construction machines at a site of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in Etapalli in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, police said Monday.

The incident, at a road-construction site between Emli and Mangutha, took place Sunday night, a Burgi police station official said, adding that a group of around 40 uniformed- Maoists were involved.

"They set ablaze a water tanker, cement concrete mixer and a road roller. Other material at the site was also torched. Panchnama is underway and a police team is at the site for further probe and action," he said.

Last week too, Naxals had burnt down road-construction equipment in Kasansur in Etapalli teshil, the official added.

The constant attack on such developmental works inconveniences villagers, and Sunday's arson incident will force them to endure hardships in commuting during monsoon, an official said.