Naxals carried out a major attack in Gadchiroli district on Maharashtra Day killing at least 15 security personnel. According to sources, Naxals triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) blast between Jamborkheda and Lendhari villages in the district. Jawans of Quick Response Team (QRT) were reportedly the target of Naxals. A private driver was also reportedly killed in the blast. Sources said, a team of C60 commandoes was patrolling on Kurkheda-Korchi road on May 1 on a police van. At least 15 jawans were on board the van. The incident took place near Lendari culvert, some
six kilometres from Kurkheda tehsil.
six kilometres from Kurkheda tehsil.
Naxals have laid an ambush for the police party. As the cops reached near their ambush, they triggered the blast. Sources said, two vehicles were blown away by the Naxals. Several security personnel
also sustained injuries in the attack, which is being described as one of the most deadly attacks in the district.
The Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) had issued a letter just a few days before the Maharashtra Day, in which they had warned of such activities. Naxals have been observing a week-long protest to mark the first anniversary of the Kasanasur encounter, in which security forces and police had killed 40 of their comrades.
also sustained injuries in the attack, which is being described as one of the most deadly attacks in the district.
The Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) had issued a letter just a few days before the Maharashtra Day, in which they had warned of such activities. Naxals have been observing a week-long protest to mark the first anniversary of the Kasanasur encounter, in which security forces and police had killed 40 of their comrades.
It is learnt that a sub divisional police officer was their prime target. However, there was no official confirmation about this by police. The deadly attack came just a few hours after Naxals torched several vehicles engaged in developmental works. As many as 36 vehicels were burnt by the Naxals in Kurkheda tehsil last night. These vehicles were deployed for construction work. They also burnt an asphalt unit set up near the construction site. The incident took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.
Construction of asphalt road between Purada and Yerkad is underway in Kurkheda tehsil. The contract for the same has been awarded to a firm named Amar Infrastructure, which has its head office in Durg,Chhattisgarh. The firm has set up two asphalt mix units at Dadapur.
Armed Naxals reached the construction site in large numbers and held captive the labourers working at the site. Later, they set ablaze 11 tippers, fuel tankers, road rollers, generator sets, other vehicles and both the offices of Amar Infrastructures.
Naxals also dropped anti-government banners and leaflets at the spot of attack. This was not the first time when the rebels have targeted the construction vehicle in the district. Sources said, police got the information about the news on early Wednesday morning.
Naxals also dropped anti-government banners and leaflets at the spot of attack. This was not the first time when the rebels have targeted the construction vehicle in the district. Sources said, police got the information about the news on early Wednesday morning.
An emergency meeting was called. Senior officials of the anti-Naxal unit and Gadchiroli police were discussing the issue, when they learnt of another deadly attack. Another party of police was immediately rushed to the spot of blast. Sources said, armed Naxals who were hiding in the forest, opened fire at the police party. An intense gun battle took place between the police party and Naxals. Further details about this encounter are awaited. Police and security forces have also intensified combing operation in the area.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis have condemned the attack carried on Maharashtra Day. “Strongly condemn despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Salute all brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts and solidarity are with bereaved
families. Perpetrators of such violence will not be spared,” PM Narendra Modi tweeted.
families. Perpetrators of such violence will not be spared,” PM Narendra Modi tweeted.
“I strongly condemn this attack and we will fight this menace with even more and stronger efforts. I also spoke to Union home minister Rajnath Singh ji and briefed him about (the attack),” chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted.
“Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by Naxals today. My thoughtsand prayers are with the martyrs’ families. I’m in touch with DGP and Gadchiroli SP,” he stated in another tweet.
