HYDERABAD, JAN. 18. Three leaders of the Telangana Jana Sabha (TJS), who escaped the police encounter in the forest of Kothaguda mandal in Warangal district on Saturday, said they were saved because they ran away with naxalites in the midst of exchange of fire.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) activist, Nalla Vasanth Kumar, and another TJS functionary, Sudarshan, stayed put at the spot as they were not keeping good health. They were rounded up and killed in cold blood, Akula Bhoomaiah, Maddileti and N. Dharampal told reporters here on Wednesday.

They said they had gone to the forest to take up the issue of second round of talks with the Government with Maoist leaders Somanna, Yadanna and others. They insisted that the Maoists participate in the talks since Statehood for Telangana was on the agenda. Just when they were discussing the issue, the police arrived and opened fire without any warning, they alleged.

Bhoomaiah, Maddileti and Dharampal were escorted to the press conference by balladeer Gadar shortly after their arrival from Warangal, where they had spent two days in hiding.

Gadar said the Home Minister, K. Jana Reddy, was requested to ensure their safety, which he did. The trio later met the Minister and submitted a memorandum detailing the incident.