Chhattisgarh (Sukma): Bodies of as many as 17 martyred security personnel, who were untraceable since the fierce encounter between policemen and Naxals broke out in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district on Saturday, were found on Sunday.
The number of injured policemen stands at 15.
"Bodies of 17 security personnel were recovered by a search team and were being evacuated from forests," Inspector general of Police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P told reporters.
The encounter took place around 2.30 pm near Korajguda hills in Chintagufa area when a joint team of security forces was out on an anti-Naxal operation.
Nearly 600 personnel of the police's District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) had launched the operation from three sides - Chintagufa, Burkapal and Timelwada - based on information about the presence of ultras near Elmagunda on Saturday, the official added.
Personnel of the police's District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) had launched the operation from Chintagufa, Burkapal and Timelwada camps based on information about the presence of ultras near Elmagunda.
When the team was advancing through Korajguda hills near Elmagunda, located around 450 km from the state capital Raipur, firing broke out between the two sides, he said.
"Based on ground inputs, it is believed at least four to five Naxals might have been killed and an equal number injured as security forces retaliated strongly," the official stated.
"Fifteen personnel sustained injuries. They have been airlifted to Raipur and admitted at a private hospital where the condition of two of them was said to be critical," an official statement said later at night.
