In a significant development in the ongoing battle against Naxal insurgency, Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district witnessed a major anti-Naxal operation resulting in the elimination of 12 Naxalites. The operation, conducted by the C-60 commandos of Gadchiroli police, took place last evening in the dense forests of Vandoli village, located in the Etapalli block near the Gadchiroli-Chhattisgarh border.
According to Superintendent of Gadchiroli Police, Nilotpal, the encounter occurred when a police party was engaged in an anti-Naxal operation. The Naxalites opened fire on the police, prompting the officers to retaliate. The intense exchange of fire lasted for six hours, during which 12 Naxalites were neutralized. The police have recovered their bodies from the encounter site.
The recovered weapons include a significant cache, comprising three AK-47 rifles, two INSAS rifles, one carbine, and one self-loading rifle, underscoring the firepower possessed by the Naxalites in the region.
Unfortunately, the operation also resulted in injuries to two members of the police team—a police sub-inspector and a constable—who were subsequently shifted to Nagpur for medical treatment. Their injuries highlight the risks faced by security personnel in such high-stakes operations.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, praised the bravery and effectiveness of the Gadchiroli police in executing the operation. He acknowledged it as one of the most significant encounters with Naxalites in recent years. In recognition of their valor, Fadnavis announced a reward of ₹51 lakh for the Gadchiroli police team.
In response to the successful operation, security forces have intensified search operations in the area to prevent any retaliatory actions by Naxalite groups and to ensure the safety of civilians and security personnel.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge posed by Naxalism in certain regions of India, where security forces continue to engage in operations aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring the security of the populace against insurgent activities.
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