Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Feb 29: Giant bees, also known as rock bees, attacked an Anti Naxal Force (ANF) contingent that was engaged in search operations in the forest region at Durga area within Hebri police station limits. As a result, six ANF personnel suffered injuries and swelling, and the condition of one of them is stated to be serious.

ANF combing operation is on since some time on account of renewed naxal activity in the area. At around 3 pm on Tuesday, a swarm of rock bees attacked the contingent, which was moving in the forest.  20 ANF personnel were moving in three teams, and the team that was in front, came under bee attack. The team that was following the first one saw what was happening, and moved ahead after shielding themselves from the bee attack, to rescue their colleagues and admit them in the Hebri hospital.

As one of the injured, Suresh Gowda, was unconscious, he was admitted into the government hospital in Udupi, after providing initial treatment at Hebri. He continues to be in the intensive care unit of the hospital, but is responding to treatments, it is gathered.

It is learnt that the bees turned wild as fire had been lit at the base of the tree on which the honeycomb of the bees exists, just before the arrival of ANF contingent at the spot, and smoke emanating from it was irritating them. No one knows who started this fire, although it is guessed that either those who collect forest produce, or naxals may be behind this act.