Greyhounds become sitting ducks

VISAKHAPATNAM: It is believed that a training session organised by the State military committee of the CPI (Maoist)’s Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee near the State border during the last few days prompted the Greyhounds to launch the joint operation with the Orissa police.
But they became virtually sitting ducks with 62 of them travelling in the same motor launch to cross the Chitrakonda (Balimela) reservoir while the Maoists positioned themselves at vantage points on the surrounding hillocks. The recently formed military committee had reportedly stalked the Greyhounds after noticing their movement, as they were returning to the Andhra Pradesh border on Sunday morning.
The motor launch became an easy target and the Maoists reportedly used a rocket launcher first before opening fire with their other weapons.
Hyderabad Special Correspondent adds: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and Home Minister K. Jana Reddy will leave for Visakhapatnam on monday morning to visit the spot and oversee rescue operations.
The Chief Minister would leave after the Cabinet meeting while the Home Minister early in the morning.
The Chief Minister reviewed the situation with the Home Minister and senior police officers.