Maoists set stone crusher unit afire

SAMBALPUR: A day after BJP patriarch L K Advani passed through NH-55 on way to Cuttack and on Diwali-eve, Maoists have unleashed ‘fireworks’. The rebels on Tuesday burnt down properties at a stone crusher unit of ARSS Infrastructure along the NH at Mundher under Jujumura block, about 15 km from here.Sources said about 20 Maoists entered the premises after overpowering the security guard. They tied him up and snatched his rifle before collecting mobile phones of all the workers. Later, they set off bombs to scare them away and set the properties on fire. Plumes of smoke were billowing out from the unit and firemen reached the spot late.By the time security forces moved into the place, the Maoists had set afire 25 trucks, one chain-mounted excavator, conveyor belt of the crusher unit and storage fuel tank. However, no report of any casualty has been received.  The incident comes close on heels of exchange of fire between Maoists and  security forces at Gaigot Kuleijharan Hills under Kisinda Police limits in Jujumura Block on October 8. With two back-to-back incidents, the Maoists have made their intentions clear.With villagers peeved at the pollution caused by the stone crusher unit, the incident is seen as an attempt by the Maoists to get closer to the people.