Suspect Maoists attack stone crusher unit office in Kerala

The office of a stone crusher unit was reportedly attacked and vandalized by five suspected Maoists at around 2.30 a.m. on Friday.

According to preliminary reports, the five-member team of attackers was led by a gun-wielding woman.

After vandalizing and burning the office, the suspected Maoists placed a few posters on the walls of the office in which the CPI (Maoist) group mentioned its agenda.

The New Bharat Stone Crusher unit was functioning near the Chekeri Colony on the Nedumpoyil-Mananthavady Road.

It was completely vandalized and burnt. The phone, fax machine, computer, CCTV Cameras and office files were also set on fire, and window panes were found shattered.

According to the security guard, two of the five attackers had guns and the order to vandalise the premises was given by the woman from a distance.

Police have started an investigation in the matter.

Kerala's Home and Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala said this was the fifth such act done by a Maoist group, and added that police has been ordered to carry out a thorough search operation for the attackers.