At least 25 CRPF jawans killed, 6 injured in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh

New Delhi: At least 25 Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) jawans were killed and 6 injured in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh today in the deadliest attack by left-wing Naxalites targeting security forces this year.

Ministry of Home Affairs in its statement said: in a fierce gun battle with Maoists 25 brave soldiers of CRPF laid down their lives for the mother land.

Two companies of 74 Bn CRPF were deployed to provide security for the road constructions in the area connecting Burkapal to Chintagufa in Sukma District of Chhattisgarh.

The party was ambushed by a group of about 300-400 Maoist cadres at 12.30 hours at Kalapattar near Burkapal.

The CRPF troops replied in a befitting manner but taking geographical position in their advantage maoist succeeded in inflicting loss to CRPF.

24 brave soldiers martyred at the battle ground and one succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated to hospital in Raipur.

Considerable number of Maoists are believed to have been eliminated as the tell-tale sign indicate from the ground.

Mortal remains of all the brave soldiers have been air lifted to Raipur and six injured have been admitted in Ramkrishna Hospital Raipur for further treatment and better management.

DG CRPF alongwith senior officers will be visiting the incident site to take stock of the situation.

Prime Minister’s reaction

Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacting to the incident on twitter in series of tweets said: Attack on CEPF personnel in Chhattisgarh is cowardly & deplorable. We are monitoring the situation closely. We are proud of the valour of our CEPF personnel. The sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain. Condolences to their families.May those injured in today’s attack in Chhattisgarh recover at the earliest.

Home Minister reacts

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the government has taken the attack as a “challenge”.

Singh described the incident as “sad and unfortunate” and said he would talk to Chief Minister Raman Singh for more details.

Earlier, Singh asked Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir to travel to Chhattisgarh to take stock of the situation.

List of martyrs

Chief Minister Raman Singh holds meeting with senior officials of administration and police in aftermath of naxal incident in Sukma