Seven C-60 parties of the police went in for the anti-Maoist operation (Representational)
Twelve Maoists were killed in a six-hour-long operation today in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. Several automatic weapons were also recovered.
The Maharashtra Police launched a massive op from Gadchiroli around 10 am after being tipped off about nearly 15 Maoists camping near the Vandoli village close to the Chhattisgarh border.
Seven C-60 parties of the police, led by the Deputy SP, went in for the anti-Maoist operation into the dense forests.
A heavy exchange of fire began in the afternoon and continued intermittently till late evening for over six hours. A sub-inspector of the C-60 and a jawan have suffered bullet injuries but are said to be out of danger. They were evacuated and shifted to Nagpur for further treatment.
The bodies of 12 Maoists, and seven automotive weapons, including 3 AK47s, 2 INSAS, 1 carbine, and an SLR, have been recovered so far.
DVCM Laxman Atram, alias Vishal Atram, in charge of Tipagad Dalam, is among those killed.
The cops are yet to identify the 11 others and have launched an area search.