Gadchiroli July 17 (District Correspondent) In a major encounter that took place between Gadchiroli Police and Maoists today, as many as 12 Maoists were neutralized by the police and several automatic weapons were recovered from the possession of the naxals, said Mr. Nilotpal, SP.
This is the major casualty on the naxals side after many years and is considered to be a severe jolt to the naxal movement in the district.
According to information provided by the police, an operation was launched today around 10 am from Gadchiroli in which 7 C-60 parties led by Dy SP (operations) were sent near Chhattisgarh border in Wandoli village as credible intelligence was received of the location of 12-15 Naxals camping near the village.
A heavy exchange of fire started in the afternoon and continued intermittently till late evening for more than 6 hours. Area search was conducted after the firing which led to recovery of 12 Maoist dead bodies till now. 7 automotive weapons including 3 AK-47, 2 INSAS, 1 carbine, 1 SLR have been recovered till now. DVCM Laxman alias Vishal Atram, Incharge of Tipagad Dalam has been identified as one of the dead Maoists. Further identification of Maoists and area search is continuing.
One PSI of C-60 Commando Force and one jawan have suffered bullet injuries. They are out of danger, have been evacuated and shifted to Nagpur. Further anti naxal operations have been intensified in the area.
The C- 60 jawans travelled through dense forest crossing the nullahs that fell enroute braving the torrential rains and inclement weather for this operation, said the SP Nilotpal.
Meanwhile, Home Minister of Maharahstra and Guardian Minister of the Gadchiroli district Devendra Fadnavis has declared a cash reward of Rs 51 Lakhs for C-60 commandoes and Gadchiroli Police for the above successful major operation.
The entire operation was conducted under the guidance of the SP Nilotpal and other senior police authorities.
It should be mentioned here that the Dy. Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, Ajitdada Pawar, Industries Minister Uday Samant and Food and Drugs Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram were in the district today for the bhumipujan of a major industrial project near Aheri.
