Gadchiroli is one of the worst Naxal-hit areas of Maharashtra and the police had launched a massive manhunt to nab the Naxalites.
MUMBAI: 16 Naxals were killed in an encounter with police commandos and CRPF personnel in Gadchiroli district in east Maharashtra today, a senior official said.Search operations are still on as it is suspected that Naxalites could launch attacks during the night on security forces.
As the massive encounter broke out between the security forces and Naxals operating in Boria jungle, the anti-Naxal squad of Gadchiroli police launched a combing operation in thick jungles located in vicinity of Tadgaon range of Bramhagad tehsil at 7 am.The encounter has happened around 150 kilometers from police headquarters in Bhamragad tehsil of Gadchiroli district.
The Tendu leaves season has begun which leads to many Naxals cadres enter Gadchiroli district to extort money from Tendu leaves contractors.Tendu leaves are the main source of income for Naxals and helps them to run their operations.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in connection with the encounter with Naxals in Gadchiroli district.
Director General of Police Satish Mathur congratulated the C-60 team which carried out the encounter.As per preliminary information, bodies of 16 Naxals were recovered from the forest,” he said, adding that arms and Naxal literature were recovered from the spot.
Addressing a joint press conference in Gadchiroli, Inspector General of Police, Anti-Naxal Operation, Sharad Shelar and local SP Abhinav Deshmukh said security forces came under fire from Naxals hiding in the forest.
