Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia
Sullia, Jun 16: An Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) soldier died of cardiac arrest during combing operation here on Saturday June 16. The operation was being undertaken in the wake of the visit of three suspected Naxals to a house in Hadikallu here.
A Rangaswamy (48) from Bhadravati developed chest pain during the combing operation at Kadukudi area, but efforts to revive him failed. The ANF team with the help of locals brought the body to Sullia hospital later in the night.
Three suspected Naxals had visited a family residing at Hadikallu during the late evening hours on Thursday June 14, and forced the family to part with their food by pointing guns at them. Among the three suspected Naxals were two women aged about 23 and 35.
Following their visit, four teams of ANF personnel, including teams from Karkala and Bhagamandala units, undertook combing operations in the area. Altogether, 70 personnel were part of the operation, among whom was Rangaswamy.
Rangaswamy was part of the team that was conducting the operation at Kotegudde, around 6 km from the house that the suspected Naxals had visited. At around 4 pm, Rangaswamy developed chest pain and collapsed. The other personnel rushed to his help and tried to revive him, but in vain.
Thereafter, the ANF team informed their commandant and carried the body for about two kilometres through dense forest to a house belonging to one Puttanna Gowda. From there, the body was taken in a vehicle for about 5 km to Madappady, and from there to KVG hospital in Sullia.
As news spread, hundreds of locals gathered at Madappady. SP Ravikanthe Gowda also visited the spot.
A Rangaswamy was part of the Karkala unit of ANF. He leaves behind his wife Bharati and daughter Kusuma.