Naxals attack security force's mine-protected vehicle in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli

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Gadchiroli: Days after Maoists killed 25 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers in Chhattisgarh, a mine-protected vehicle of the C-60 commandos on Wednesday came under a landmine attack allegedly by Naxals in Maharashtra.

The incident occurred near Bhamragad in the Gadchiroli district when a patrol party of the C-60 commandos was crossing the area this evening. At least 12 personnel are said to be injured in the landmine blast which targeted the armoured vehicle, said officials.

"We are getting some preliminary reports that the troops, caught in the blast, belong to the C-60 force of the Maharashtra Police that conducts anti-Naxal operations. More details are awaited," a senior officer said.

Earlier today, a CRPF jawan and two Maharashtra Police personnel were injured in an exchange of fire with the Naxals, the officer said, adding reinforcement is on the way.

On April 24, 25 CRPF personnel were killed and six wounded in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, the deadliest attack by Naxalites targeting security forces this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described the deadly ambush on the 74th Battalion at a place between Burkapal and Chintagufa in Sukma district as "cowardly and deplorable" and said the deaths won't go in vain.

The 99-member CRPF patrol was on foot on the interior road, providing security to road construction activity, when it came under sudden attack.

(With Agency inputs)