MALKANGIRI: Panic has gripped Maoist-hit Mahupadar village under Mathili police limits of Malkangiri district after Sukma police of Chhattisgarh picked up four tribal villagers including a couple and took them to an unknown destination. Though the incident took place on Saturday, it came to light on Tuesday.
According to sources, 20-30 police personnel in uniform from Sukma came to Mahupadar at about 12.30 pm and took away Biswanath Madkami, Sukri Madkami, Jaduram Kolar and Phagun Durua.
When Dani Madkami, a relative of Biswanath Madkami, asked the police where they were taking the couple, she was told that they would return soon. Moti Kolar, a family member of Jaduram Kolar, was also told the same thing by Sukma police. All the four villagers remain untraced till date.
Surprisingly, the district police remain clueless regarding whereabouts of the villagers even four days after the incident. The sources said the villagers have been forwarded to court by the Sukma police as suspected Maoists.
Contacted, SDPO Prateek Singh Geeta said they are yet to make any contact with the Chhattisgarh Police but were trying to ascertain the details. However, he confirmed that the four villagers were picked up by the police of neighbouring State.
Meanwhile, human rights activists have appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to intervene in the matter and facilitate return of the villagers.