The bodies of the 12 policemen, who were killed in a Maoist ambush on the Golapalli-Kishtaram road in Dantewara district on Thursday, were finally recovered on Saturday morning. Police sources said that though a team comprising 400 policemen and Special Police Officers reached the Golapalli police station on Friday evening, the bodies could only be recovered on Saturday morning. “The delay has occurred as the unwritten rule was followed by the police that security forces will not pursue or venture into Naxal-controlled territory for night operations. The policemen stayed at the Golapalli police station in an effort to thwart any attempt by Maoist cadres to cause further casualties,” the sources said. Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) R K Vij said the delay took place as the police party had to observe extreme caution while moving forward in the Naxal-infested area. The extremists also looted 11 Insas Rifles, one AK 47 rifle and shoes of the deceased policemen.
