Bhubaneshwar:
Orissa has lost several policemen in its battle against Naxalism, and it's clearly taking a toll. The state's top cop on Monday broke down while saying farewell to three of his men, who were killed by Naxalites three days ago.
Among them was an officer who had successfully led many operations against the Maoists in the past.
The government meanwhile is under attack from the cops who accuse it of not doing enough in the fight against Naxals.
",I deeply condole the death of assistant commandant Pramod Satpathy, sepoy Satyanand Panda and constable Sushant Gowda who have laid down their lives during the call of duty,", said Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister.
The Assembly was adjourned twice on Monday, as the Opposition wanted a detailed discussion on the latest Naxal attack and the follow-up action by the police. And it's asking pointed questions.
",Where are the bodies? The police say they have killed 20. Whether you have killed 20 or two, you have to produce the bodies. Why hasn't a single body been recovered? asked Lalatendu B Mohapatra, senior Congress MLA.
So far, the police have been silent. And there are rumours that most of the 20 people killed may have been villagers, who fled their homes for fear of the police and the Maoists.