By IANS,
Bhubaneswar : Navy divers Friday recovered at least seven bodies including those of Greyhounds commandos killed by Maoist guerrillas in the Balimela reservoir in Orissa June 29, the police said.
“The total number of bodies recovered from the reservoir is now 17. Seven were recovered by noon (Friday),” Malkangiri District Superintendent of Police Satish Gajbhiye told IANS.
The Maoist ambush of June 29 left 38 security personnel missing.
The Maoists attacked a ferry carrying Andhra Pradesh police’s elite anti-Maoist force when they were returning from neighbouring Orissa after assisting the police there to crack down on the rebels.
The majority of the bodies recovered Friday were of Greyhounds commandos, Gajbhiye said.
The official said the vessel was sunk about 40 metres deep water and navy divers could manage to open the door of the vessel Thursday.
According to the police, there were 66 people including 61 commandos, two Orissa Police constables and three employees of the vessel owner on board when it capsized.
Only 28 people have been accounted for, Gajbhiye said. Of the survivors, 10 suffered bullet injuries and they are undergoing treatment.
The Orissa government earlier said that 29 people survived the attack.