Naxals Gun 17 Security Personnel to Death in Chattisgarh

Raipur, March 22, 2020:

While the eyes of the entire world are trained on the international pandemic coronavirus, at least 17 security personnel, 12 DRG and 5 STF men, were killed by hundreds of naxals after coming under heavy fire in Chintagufa in Sukma district of Chattisgarh on Saturday afternoon.

Later, around 550 men of DRG, STF and CoBRA were sent on Sunday morning to retrieve them, Chhattisgarh DGP said.

DRG, STF and CoBRA from Chintagufa, Burkapal and Timelwada were sent to Elmagunda to flush out naxals. The team of jawans was ambushed near Korajguda hills at around 02:30 pm. It has been reported that as many fifteen DRG jawans were injured in the firing.

"We have recovered 17 bodies and another 15 police are being treated for injuries," he said.We believe the ambush was carried out by between 300 and 350 attackers", a police source said.

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More than 250 men from PLGA 1 controlled by the senior Maoist leader Hidma and Company 2 ambushed the men while they were returning at around 02.30 pm on Saturday, sources said.

Awasthi further added that the exchange of fire went on for over five hours and the men fought valiantly. "We have sent a new team of around 550 men from Burkapal and Chintagufa. They have been ordered to neutralize any presence of naxals and retrieve our men as fast as possible. We hope that some of our men are safe,” Awasthi added.

15 injured DRG personnel were airlifted to Raipur late on Saturday night. Out of them, four are critical as they have suffered bullet injuries to chest and abdomen, hospital sources said.

A statement from one of the hospitals in Raipur said, "One of the men has a bullet injury to his stomach and he will be operated upon on Sunday afternoon. Three have bullet injuries to their chest and are under observation."

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