Red terror: 25 CRPF personnel killed in Naxal attack at Chattisgarh's Sukma

Raipur: In a deadly attack on India's paramilitary forces, a large group of Naxals brutally killed 25 CRPF jawans, including their commander, and injured many more in a remote part of Chattisgarh's Sukma district on Monday afternoon.

The Naxals fired from hilltops at the 150-member battalion that was guarding workers at a road construction site at Burkapal-Chintagufa area in Bastar region. Reportedly, the weapons of the security forces were also looted.

In the gunbattle that ensued, CRPF jawans claimed there were casualties on the Naxal's side as well. Back-up was drawn in from the proximate CRPF camps.

Also read: Cowardly and deplorable; martyr's sacrifice will not go in vain: Modi on Naxal attack

CRPF soldier, Sher Mohammed told ANI, "First Naxals sent villagers to trace our location, then almost 300 Naxals attacked us. We also fired and killed many."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Attack on @crpfindia personnel in Chhattisgarh is cowardly & deplorable. We are monitoring the situation closely."

He added: "We are proud of the valour of our @crpfindia personnel. The sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain. Condolences to their families."

Also Read: A timeline of Naxal attacks across nation over the past 10 years

Chattisgarh CM Raman Singh has called off his Delhi trip and has left for Sukma as well. Director General of CRPF and senior officials will reach Raipur and Sukma on Tuesday morning.

Minister of State (Home) Hansraj Ahir is due to visit Raipur where the injured soldiers are being treated. Bastar Inspector General Vivekanand Sinha and DIG Sunderraj are already on their way to Sukma.

In early 2017, 12 CRPF personnel were killed in another Naxal ambush in the same district, raising the total security personnel body count to 36.