Mumbai: A team of the specialised C-60 commando unit of the Gadchiroli police gunned down 16 naxals in Tadgaon forest during a raid early on Sunday. The Gadchiroli police said that the encounter took place following a specific tip-off on the movement of the naxals in Bhamragad.
The count of naxals gunned down in the firing is likely to rise further, officials said. A combing operation will follow to prevent any retaliation from them.
Those killed also include two divisional committee (DVC) commanders identified as Sainath Bulesh Madiattram (34), and Vijendran Ranake, alias Srinyu. Officials said that while Sainath has 39 cases against him pertaining to offences including arson and assault, Srinyu has 51 cases. The Gadchiroli police and their counterparts from surrounding states wanted the duo since long, the officials said.
“The operation began early in the morning and was undertaken by two companies of the C-60 commando teams. Luckily there have been no reports on injuries or casualties to any of the personnel from the commando team,” said An-kush Shinde, divisional inspector general (Gadchiroli Range). He added, “The gunfight began during the day before noon.”
The gunbattle began after the naxals launched an attack on the patrolling party, officials said. The operation was still underway till late in the evening and the exact number of naxal casualties will be clear only after the area is cleared. The search for any clandestine explosives and more bodies is underway in the area.
According to the police, this was the time when naxals cross over the state border and enter Maharasahtra to rob contractors trading in tendu leaves. The police had also stepped up vigilance when they received input on the movement.
