Naxal attack in Gadchiroli leaves 15 security personnel dead

A reinforcement party of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of the Kurkheda police travelling to Purada (the police station under whose jurisdiction the arson incident was reported) was attacked in a landmine blast.

All the 15 men and the driver of the private vehicle engaged by the police were killed in the blast, carried out by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The incident took place barely 10 ten hours after 27 vehicles were allegedly torched by Maoists near Dadapur village in north Gadchiroli.

The IED blast occurred around 12.30 pm on Wednesday near Lendhri area, a few kilometre from Kurkheda in north Gadchiroli.

Furthermore, Maharashtra CMO confirmed the governor cancelling Maharashtra Day reception.

“Naxalites attacked Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli. I have come to know that 16 people, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals. This is an act of cowardice and desperation,” said BJP president Amit Shah as he condemned the Naxal attack.

“I pay my respect to those killed in the attack and wish quick recovery of the injured people. Our government will extend all help,” Shah added as he was seen addressing election rallies at Panchla and Arambagh.

“Our jawans are martyred in Pulwama, Gadchiroli. There are some forces who are trying to destroy India from within. But it is my belief that the combined efforts of the central and state government will end Naxalism,” Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut told news agency ANI.

Subodh Jaiswal, DGP Maharashtra: “We are prepared to give a befitting reply to this attack (Gadchiroli Naxal attack); Operations are going on in the area to ensure that no further casualties take place;” reported ANI.