Gadchiroli Maoist attack: 15 security personnel killed in an IED blast

Fifteen security personnel and a driver of a private vehicle were killed in a high-intensity land-mine blast at Jambhulkheda, in Gadchiroli’s Kurkheda taluka, All India Radio reported. NDTV reported that an improvised explosive device (IED) blast was triggered on the vehicle.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted: “Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by naxals today.” Fadnavis also stated: “I strongly condemn this attack and we will fight this menace with even more and stronger efforts.”

The incident comes weeks after an IED blast took place near a polling booth in Gadchiroli on April 11, during the first phase of the national election.

The Indian Express quoted DIG (Gadchiroli range) Ankush Shinde as saying: “The QRT (Quick Response Team) 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.”

According to Scroll.in, the Quick Response Team was on its way to inspect the site where, earlier in the day, suspected Maoists had torched at least 25 machines and vehicles in the Kurkheda administrative division.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attack. He tweeted: “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 & solidarity are with the bereaved families.” He added: “The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared.”

Union Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted about the attack. He said: “Attack on Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli is an act of cowardice and desperation. Their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain.”

The two incidents come on a day when Maharashtra is celebrating its foundation day.