Maharashtra: 15 security personnel killed in IED blast by Maoists in Gadchiroli

At least 15 security personnel martyred in an IED blast by Naxals in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli on Wednesday. The blast was executed by Naxals on a police vehicle which was carrying 16 security personnel.

According to ANI reports, the exchange of fire underway between Police and Naxals at the site of a blast in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. "We suspect that 15 police jawans and a driver have lost their lives in this incident," Sudhir Mungantiwar, Maharashtra Minister said.

An improvised explosive device (IED) explosion was triggered on a police vehicle in the Maoist-affected district in Gadchiroli. The incident comes hours after naxals set fire to around 30 vehicles in the Gadchiroli.

"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," Maharashtra CM Devendra said expressing his grief.

According to reports, a team of Maharashtra Police commandos was travelling in the vehicle when it came under attack at Kurkheda near Jamurkheda.

"The QRT was from Kurkheda police station. They were going to Purada village in a private vehicle. The blast occurred around 12.30 pm near a nullah called Lendari in which 15 of our jawans have become martyrs," DIG (Gadchiroli range) Ankush Shinde told The Indian Express.

The IED attack comes weeks after an IED blast near was reported near a polling booth in Gadchiroli on April 11, during the first phase polling for the Lok Sabha elections. However, No loss casualty was reported.

Also read: Maharashtra: Naxals set ablaze 27 machines, vehicles in Gadchiroli district