The Chhattisgarh Police on Wednesday dismissed as "totally baseless" claims by Maoists that security forces had carried out an air strike using a drone.
The allegations "are totally baseless and an outcome of fear and confusion in the rank and file of Maoist cadres", a senior police officer said.
“Security forces in Bastar operate within the legal framework with the single objective of protecting the life of the native population of the region,” Sundarraj P, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), said in a statement issued by the government.
He said: “It is the CPI-Maoist cadres who have taken away the lives of thousands of innocent civilians by using explosive materials.”
“Even today in Narayanpur, a ITBP officer was seriously injured and one cow got killed in an IED explosion triggerred by the Maoists”, he added. Maoists, who are responsible for killing thousands of innocent villagers don't have any moral authority to level such baseless allegation against the security forces, the officer said.
