Perpetrators of Gadchiroli Naxal attack will not be spared, says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday strongly condemned the Naxal attack on 15 C-60 commandos in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli.

"My thoughts & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared," the prime minister said in his tweet.

At least 16 people, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals in Gadchiroli district Wednesday, police said.

The terror attack on a CRPF convoy also evoked strong condemnation from political leaders from across the country.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured all help to the Maharashtra government in the wake of the attack. He termed the attack an act of cowardice and desperation.

The home minister also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who briefed him about the incident.

"Destruction of these Naxalites and their urban supporters is absolutely essential and the new India will ensure that," UP CM Yogi Adityanath said in a tweet in Hindi.

Earlier in the day, the Naxals torched 25 vehicles belonging to a road construction contractor earlier in the day, they said.

Those killed in the blast were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli Police, which was on way to inspect the torched vehicles, an official said.

(With inputs from PTI)