**Malkangiri:** Around 20 armed Maoists allegedly torched a private passenger bus near Mahupadar under Mathili PS in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.
Late on Monday night, when the bus named ‘Nadiarani’ was on its way to Motu from Komarpalli, the group of armed naxals intercepted the vehicle and force the passengers to alight from the bus.
![](https://ommcomnews.com/file/image/original/156121899915487414831241603389-02.jpg)
Then they poured diesel and set it ablaze. The even thrashed the driver, conductor and helper for plying the bus during the ‘Protest Week’ and snatched their cash and mobile phones.
However, the passengers were spared. Then the Maoists put posters and leaflets in the area before fleeing from the spot.
![](https://ommcomnews.com/file/image/original/22553005215487414351094951008-01.jpg)
In the posters, the extremists called on the people to support the Protest Week being observed by them. Besides, they have also demanded withdrawal of BSF camps from remote areas of Malkangiri district.