Under attack from the Congress over the brutal killing of 55 security personnel by Naxalites, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ram Vicher Netam today accepted that there was a delay in sending troops to rescue security forces at Rani Bodli outpost.

Replying to queries in the ongoing Budget session of Chhattisgarh Assembly, the minister said while the attack took place around 2 am, the SP and nearby posts were informed about the incident within 10 minutes through wireless. However, he himself came to know about the incident at about 7 am when he was called up by DGP OP Rathore. “Reinforcements from Kutru and Farsegarh were sent at 3.30 am that reached Rani Bodli post after 6 am,” he added.

Several Opposition legislators alleged that it hardly took one hour to walk 10 km, however, officers’ negligence had delayed the arrival of troops at the spot. “Had the reinforcements reached the spot on time a number of lives could have been saved,” said Bhupesh Baghel, deputy leader of Opposition.

Netam, however, clarified that troops that were moving towards the outpost had to observe caution as there were always a chance of mines being planted or ambush being laid by Maoists on the approach roads.