Thirty-two Greyhound commandos of the Andhra Pradesh Police were killed and 10 others wounded when the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) attacked a motor launch carrying a police team in the Chitrakonda reservoir in Orissa, close to the AP border, on June 29. The launch capsized when those on board tried to counter the attack. The incident occurred when the Greyhound team was returning after a joint operation with the Orissa police1.

Also, on June 30, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and four policemen were killed in a landmine blast triggered by suspected CPI-Maoist cadres in Jharkhand’s Pundigiri village. The police personnel were returning after conducting raids in the Bundu area2.

Indian Express quoting a latest intelligence report stated that the Maoist/Naxalite groups were aiming to liberate and control 35 per cent of India's land area by the end of 2009. The report stated that the naxal movement had spread to as many as 22 states in the country, including those like Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Gujarat which were earlier not known to have any Maoist/Naxal links. The report noted that as many as 39 Maoist groups were currently operating across the country with estimated cadre strength of more than 100,0003.

• 1. “32 constables missing after naxalite attack,” The Hindu, June 30, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/30/stories/2008063060530100.htm
• 2. “Deputy Superintendent of Police among five police personnel killed in landmine blast in Jharkhand,” South Asia Terrorism Portal, July 01, 2008, at http://satp.org/satporgtp/detailed_news3.asp?date3=2008%2F7%2F1
• 3. “Naxals now active in 22 states: report,” Indian Express, July 04, 2008, at http://www.indianexpress.com/story/331135.html