A PWG support squad in the meantime, attacked the local police outpost to prevent them going to Ahirya village to save the victims, police said today. No one was injured in the exchange of fire.

Two people injured in last night's massacre, suspected to be vendetta killings against the slaying of three Party Unity Naxalites in July, were brought to a hospital here, and were recovering.

The PWG and Party Unity, had recently merged. The victims included Arjun Sharma, who was wanted by police in connection with the July slayings.

Arjun's brother, father and four supporters were also killed. Tension gripped the area as irate villagers did not allow the police to take the bodies for autopsy. However, a team of doctors was sent to the village to conduct an autopsy, en masse.