Assessing the Chhattisgarh attack and the four motives of the naxalites

Investigations have shown that the naxalites who carried out the IED blast in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh in which 10 cops and a driver was killed had attempted to snatch weapons.

However this was thwarted by the security personnel in the next vehicle, who opened fire, following which the Maoists escaped from the spot, sources tell OneIndia.

There are multiple assessments which are being carried out. Firstly, it has been found that the naxals carried out the attack as part of the annual tactical counter offensive campaign, which is undertaken during the summers. Secondly, it has been learnt that they were trying to break a human intelligence chain by scaring off the locals through this attack. Weapon snatching was another part of the modus operandi, the source cited above also said. Further it has been learnt that they may been trying to free two arrested naxals, who were being ferried in another vehicle. The vehicle however passed by safely.

In addition to studying the motive and modus operandi, the agencies are also investigating the lack of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). There was no Road Opening Party as should have been the case in a naxal infested area. The second question is why the police personnel were travelling in a rented mini van.

Following the attack a massive manhunt was launched to track down the naxalites responsible for the incident. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel told the media that two naxalites had been caught. One of them is in custody, while the other is receiving treatment at a hospital, he said. While no additional details have been provided about the two persons, their arrest itself is a significant development amidst the ongoing investigations.

The authorities will however be able to pull out valuable information from the two. This information would be helpful in preventing further attacks as the interrogation would bring out valuable details about the modus operandi behind this incident.