Five security personnel were killed and several injured in an encounter with Maoists in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday.
Two of the security personnel dead were from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). At least three Chhattisgarh police personnel are missing.
“Among injured jawans, 23 admitted to Bijapur Hospital and 7 to Raipur hospital,” Chhattisgarh Police sources said, as reported by ANI.
According to Sundarraj Pattilingam, Inspector General of Police in Bastar Range of Chhattisgarh, nine more Naxals have been killed and around 15 others have been injured in the encounter. As per the reports, around 250 Naxalites were present during the time of encounter.
The body of a woman Maoist was recovered from the site of encounter, a senior CRPF official said. One more cadre was said to have been killed.
According to Director General of Police DM Awasthi, the encounter broke out in Tarrem area when a joint team of security forces was out on an anti-Naxal operation, news agency PTI reported.
For the last 10 days, security forces in Chhattisgarh were getting information about the whereabouts of Madvi Hidma, a top Naxal of banned CPI (Maoist) who has been linked to major attacks including the 2013 Jhiram Ghati killings.
Over 30 people including senior leaders of the Chhattisgarh Congress were killed in the Jhiram Ghati Naxal attack in 2013.
Personnel belonging to the CRPF’s elite unit CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Special Task Force (STF) were involved in the operation.
The Naxalites ambushed the jawans in the forest opening fire on them with rocket launchers. The soldiers replied befittingly.
On March 23, five DRG personnel were killed when Naxals blew up a bus carrying the security personnel with an IED in Narayanpur district.
Earlier this week, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) arrested three Naxals for planting explosives to target security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took cognizance of the incident and wished a quick recovery to the injured jawans.
“My thoughts are with the families of those martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. The sacrifices of the brave martyrs will never be forgotten. May the injured recover at the earliest,” PM Modi tweeted.
Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over martyred jawans.
Taking to his Twitter, he said: “I bow to sacrifices of our brave security personnel martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. Nation will never forget their valour. My condolences are with their families. We will continue our fight against these enemies of peace and progress.”
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also condemned the incident and said that the state government will intensify anti-Naxal operation in response to the deadly attack. He also directed officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured jawans.
“Our jawans have displayed exemplary courage by inflicting massive damage on Naxals (in this incident). Operation against Naxals will be intensified,” Baghel said in a statement.