Fifteen security personnel and their driver were killed in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli after their vehicle was blown up by Maoists today. An improvised explosive device (IED) blast was used to target the police vehicle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Maoist attack "despicable" and said that the perpetrators of violence will not be spared. This is the third Maoist attack in Gadchiroli since the national election began last month.
The blast near Gadchiroli's Jambhumpada village took place hours after Maoists burnt 25 vehicles at a road construction site in Kurkheda of Gadchiroli at around 3:30 am.The Maoist attack comes on a day when Maharashtra is celebrating its foundation day. The Maoists were in the final stages of observing a week-long protest to mark the first anniversary of 40 of their members who were gunned down by security forces on April 22 last year.
Here are the updates on the Maoist attack in Gadchiroli
Strongly condemn the terror attack in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Thoughts and prayers with the families of police personnel killed, and wishing an early recovery to those injured. The entire nation stands united in the fight against such violence #PresidentKovind
- President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 1, 2019
Naxal attack on security personnel in #Gadchiroli Maharashtra is a highly condemnable cowardice act. My thoughts are with the families of brave personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Perpetrators of this heinous act will not go unpunished.
- Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 1, 2019
I strongly condemn this attack and we will fight this menace with even more and stronger efforts.
- Chowkidar Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 1, 2019
I also spoke to Hon Union Home Minister @rajnathsingh ji and briefed him about the situation in Maharashtra.
Attack on Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli is an act of cowardice and desperation. We are extremely proud of the valour of our police personnel. Their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain. My deepest condolences to their families. 1/2
- Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 1, 2019
Spoke to Maharashtra CM Shri @Dev_Fadnavis regarding the tragic incident in Gadchiroli and expressed my grief at the loss of brave Police personnel. We are providing all assistance needed by the state government. MHA is in constant touch with the state administration. 2/2
- Chowkidar Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 1, 2019
Very saddening about unfortunate attack by cowardly forces on security staff,engaged in promoting law and order,in which we lost some of our brave police personnel.We salute the martyrs.We r fully with families of victims of despicable attack. #naxalattack Condolences Om Shanti
- Chowkidar Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) May 1, 2019
महाराष्ट्र के कायराना नक्सली हमले में जांबाज जवानों की शहादत की खबर से मन में दुःख और रोष है।
- Chowkidar Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) May 1, 2019
ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि शोक संतप्त परिजनों को संबल और घायलों को शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ मिले।
इन नक्सलियों और उनके शहरी पोषकों का समूल विनाश नितांत आवश्यक है और नया भारत यह सुनिश्चित करेगा।
Once again terrorists have targeted the convoys of our jawans.
- Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) May 1, 2019
Clearly despite their tall talk no lessons from Pulwama have been learnt
It is a wake up call for state & central govt
Country needs preventive action, accountability for this failure & not jumlas and lectures
Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts & solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared.
- Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2019
