16 jawans killed in IED blast by Naxals in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli; PM Modi condemns attack

On Wednesday afternoon there took place a landmine blast at Dadapur Road in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. The blast happened when the jawans were out on an operation in the area. Two vehicles of security forces were passing through the Dadapur Road heading towards Korchi, and then the Naxals conducted the blast.

Reportedly, 16 jawans of an anti-Maoist squad of Gadchiroli police lost their lives and many are injured. As per a report by news agency, IANS, the Maoists torched at least three dozen vehicles belonging to private contractors in Kurkheda sub-district of Gadchiroli.

The heinous incident has been condemned by the Prime Minister of India and also Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis.

Narendra Modi condemned the attack and saluted those who lost their lives. He said, “My thoughts & solidarity are with bereaved families. Perpetrators of such violence will not be spared.”

PM Modi: Strongly condemn despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Salute all brave personnel.Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts & solidarity are with bereaved families. Perpetrators of such violence will not be spared (file pic) pic.twitter.com/mbkyG7XZLA

— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2019

Devendra Fadnavis also condemned the incident and said, “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 Fadnavis: 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. pic.twitter.com/5l6t0eShBe

— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2019

On April 9, BJP legislator Bhima Mandavi and his four security personnel were killed by Maoists. Today’s incident is believed to be the revenge by the Maoists after 40 extremists were killed last year on April 22 by security forces.

Also Read: Bhima Mandavi, BJP Legislator Among 5 Killed In Dantewada Naxal Attack