Raipur: Nine tribal villagers, including four Special Police Officers (SPOs), were allegedly abducted by Maoist extremists from Gangalur road in Bijapur district of Bastar region in Chhattisgarh. 

Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) R K Vij stated that the incident happened late this evening when a group of tribals and SPOs travelling on the road in a jeep were intercepted by about a dozen armed Naxalites. "The Maoists stopped the vehicle by blocking the road with big stones. The four SPOs and villagers were abducted and taken into the deep forest," he added.  

The IG further added that several search parties have been rushed to the area in an effort to rescue the missing persons. However, till late in the evening, there has been no trace of the missing tribals.