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Maoists attack Malangawa; 14 killed, over 100 inmates escape; Army chopper crashes

At least 14 people – including six policemen-- were killed when hundreds of Maoist rebels simultaneously attacked Malangawa, the district headquarter of Sarlahi in southern terai-- on Wednesday night.

According to latest reports, six policemen, six Maoist rebels and two civilians were killed during the overnight attack.

In a statement issued this morning, the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) of the Royal Nepalese Army said a huge number of rebels opened attack at the District Police Office, District Administration Office, the Royal Nepalese Army base at Nawalpur simultaneously from around 9:00 p. m. on Wednesday.

It said the MI-17 helicopter of the army that was in a `tactical flight’ crashed some two kms west of Malangawa. The RNA said an investigation team has already reached the site of incident and that details were still awaited.

Unconfirmed report said all ten-security personnel on board of the ill-fated chopper died. However the authorities are yet to confirm the report.

Meanwhile, reports from Malangawa say the rebels have attacked and freed over 100 inmates at the district prison. Unconfirmed reports said the rebels also took nearly ten security personnel guarding the prison into their custody after the attacks. Talking to Nepalnews, Superintendent of police Mana Prashad Rimal informed that Sarlahi CDO, Bodh Raj Adhikari, and 16 other security personnel are ‘out of contact” after the Maoist raid.

He further said that security forces are carrying out search operation in the area.

The authorities said the situation is under control now. nepalnews.com by/pb Apr 06 06