New Delhi, Oct. 26 : The Centre has strongly condemned what it called an unprovoked and heinous attack by the CPI (Maoist) on the public sector Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel in Bacheli, in Chhattisgarh''s Dantewada District on Sunday.

In a statement, the Union Home Ministry described the attack on one sub-Inspector, one head constable and two constables, all of whom were killed, and the critical injury of two constables through a landmine blast, as an act of "wanton, mindless and pre-meditated violence unleashed by the CPI (Maoist)".

It said that the security force was on a routine patrol in an area falling under the jurisdiction of a public sector corporation.

The NMDC is engaged in the development of minerals; gives employment to thousands of persons; promotes economic activity; and undertakes many welfare activities in the area as part of its corporate social responsibility.

"What is the motive behind the attack on a police force that provides security to NMDC? What is the message that the CPI (Maoist) intends to convey? These are questions that the Government would like to put not only to the CPI (Maoist) but also to those who speak on their behalf and chastise the government," the Home Ministry''s statement said.

The incident took place between mine no. 10 and mine no. 11(c). The CISF party was on a routine patrol. The landline was planted on a kutcha road. After exploding the landmine, the CPI
(Maoist) fired upon the patrol party, the patrol party fired back and the CPI (Maoist) fled the scene.

The ministry also said that it had received reports of another incident in village Kodka, in District Kanker, where two of the five villagers who had been kidnapped, had been killed.

It said that the Chhattisgarh police is investigating the crime, which it described as "yet another case of cold blooded murder of poor villagers by the naxalites." (ANI)