Sukma encounter | CRPF Commando may be in Maoists’ custody

A commando of the Central Reserve Police Force who was part of the team that was ambushed by the Maoists on April 3 at Tarrem in Chattisgarh’s Sukma is suspected to have been abducted by the Maoists, police said. The commando, identified as Rakeshwar Singh Minhas, belonged to the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action unit of the CRPF, a unit specially trained for operations in Left Wing Extremism affected areas. A senior police official said it was possible that the commando ran for cover when a volley of fire came from the Maoists and accidentally moved to their side. Speaking to the jawans at Basaguda in South Bastar, Mr. Shah said the government would welcome the Maoists if they surrendered their weapons.