Maoists torch cellphone tower in Khammam

Hyderabad,  A group of Maoists torched a cellphone tower belonging to a private telecom firm in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh bordering Chhattisgarh in wee hours, police said.

The incident occurred at Kothapalli village on the outskirts of Dummugudem Mandal of the district between 1.30 AM and 2 AM, they said.

By the time a police team and firemen reached the spot the tower was completely damaged, police said.

The Naxals, before fleeing to Chhattisgarh from the spot, left a note in Telugu asking political leaders (ranging from newly-elected representatives from local bodies to MLAs and MPs) to oppose construction of Polavaram Project and to work for the welfare of tribals.