Arrests in Maoist violence rises to 72

Bhubaneswar, Dec 2 (IANS) One more person was arrested Wednesday for his involvement in the alleged Maoist-backed violence in Orissa's Koraput district, taking the total arrests to 72.

'We have arrested a leader from Tentuli Padar village. The total arrests now stands at 72,' Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeeb Panda told IANS.

Police launched a crackdown in several villages in Narayan Patna block since a mob of over 300 attacked the police station in Narayan Patna town. some 500 km from here, Nov 18 and looted its weapons.

At least two tribals were killed that day when the police opened fire.

Police said all those arrested were activists of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS), a Maoist-backed outfit. The CMAS has denied any links with Maoists.

Maoists are active in more than half of Orissa's 30 districts.