Gadchiroli: A search and combing operation is currently underway in the Kurkheda forest area in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, after 16 people, including 15 security personnel were killed in a Naxal attack on Wednesday.
Naxals on May 1 triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) to blow up a police vehicle, which was carrying 16 security personnel from the Kurkheda Quick Response Team of Gadchiroli police. The blast took place between Jamborkheda and Lendhari, according to local police.
15 C-60 force commandos and the driver were martyred in the attack.
The development came a day after Naxals allegedly set ablaze 27 machines and vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to strongly condemn the attack.
"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 and solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared," PM Modi said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave details of the incident in his post on Twitter.
"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," Fadnavis tweeted.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called the attack on the Maharashtra Police personnel as "an act of cowardice and desperation".
Read: 15 commandos, driver killed as Naxals trigger IED blast in Maha
