Bijapur: At least 22 security personnel have lost their lives in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur Naxal attack on Saturday. "22 security personnel have lost their lives in the Naxal attack at Sukma-Bijapur in Chhattisgarh," said Bijapur Superintendent of Police, Kamalochan Kashyap.
Around 31 sustained injuries in the encounter in Bijapur on Saturday, Chhattisgarh Police said. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said the seven jawans injured in the Bijapur Naxal encounter on Saturday were now out of danger.
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"Seven injured security personnel who were shifted to Raipur are out of danger," Baghel told the press.
Naxals looted more than two dozen weapons from security personnel following the encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur, according to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sources.
The bodies of 12 martyred soldiers were brought to Dimrapal Medical College in Jagdalpur for postmortem. The bodies of other jawan have been kept in Bijapur.
Ashok Juneja, Director General (Naxal Operations), said, "The encounter between Naxals and security forces lasted for about four hours. Out of 21 jawans who were missing, we have recovered the mortal remains of 20 jawans. Indian Air forces, CRPF and other rescue teams are evacuating their bodies. We have also received information about bodies of Naxals being ferried."
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"I received a call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He has sent Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director-General to the state. I'll return to Chhattisgarh in the evening," the Chief Minister added.
Meanwhile, Bastar IG Sundararaj P said that out of 22 martyred soldiers, 8 belonged to DRG, 6 to STF, 7 to Cobra and 1 jawan to Bastar Battalion.
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(With inputs from ANI)
