Gadchiroli Naxal attack: 15 commandos, police driver killed; combing operation underway
IED blast in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district
At least 15 C-60 commandos, including a woman, and a police driver were killed on Wednesday in Kurkheda area of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district after a powerful explosion triggered by the Naxalites blew up their vehicle.
Those killed were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli police, which was on way to inspect a fleet of torched vehicles belonging to a road construction contractor, police said.
The blast took place between Jamborkheda and Lendhari, according to local police.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to strongly condemn the attack.
"Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts and solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared," PM Modi said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave details of the incident in his post on Twitter.
"Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by Naxals today. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs` families. I`m in touch with DGP and Gadchiroli SP," Fadnavis tweeted.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called the attack on the Maharashtra Police personnel as "an act of cowardice and desperation"."We are extremely proud of the valour of our police personnel. Their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain. My deepest condolences to their families," Singh tweeted.
He also said that he had spoken to chief minister Fadnavis and was providing all assistance needed by the state government."Ministry of Home Affairs is in constant touch with the state administration," Singh said in another tweet.
Security forces have been fighting Maoists rebels for decades in several areas, in an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands.
Earlier today, Naxals allegedly set ablaze 27 machines and vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli district. On April 11, an encounter broke out between CRPF personnel and Naxals in the Naxal affected district of Gadchiroli.