15 commandos, driver killed as Naxals trigger IED blast in Maha

16 security personnel were martyred after Naxals triggered an IED blast in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. The incident took place on the Kurkheda Korchi road, when a vehicle carrying C-60 squad commandos was targeted by the Naxals.

Gadchiroli:At least 16 persons, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Wednesday, police said.

Those killed were C-60 squad commandos, an anti-Naxal unit, which was on way to inspect the torched vehicles, an official said.

The blast took place as the vehicle reached Lendhari nallah in Kurkheda area, the official said.

Police teams are reaching the spot for evacuation operation, he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the attack. "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," he tweeted.

Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on twitter, "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 & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared."

This is the second attack within 24 hours.

The first attack:

Maoists torched at least three dozen vehicles belonging to private contractors in Kurkheda sub-district of Gadchiroli, officials said here on Wednesday.

The incident took place early in the day when the state was getting ready to celebrate its foundation day, Maharashtra Divas, while the Maoists were in the final stages of observing a week-long protest to mark the first anniversary of 40 of their comrades who were gunned down by security forces on April 22 last year.

The targeted vehicles mostly belonged to Amar Infrastructures Ltd., and were engaged in construction works for the Purada-Yerkad sector of NH 136 near Dadapur village.

The Maoists also put up banners and posters condemning the killings of their comrades last year, before setting ablaze two JCBs, 11 tipper, diesel and petrol tankers, rollers, generator vans and two local site offices before fleeing from the spot.