Gadchiroli Blast: An IED blast was set off on a police vehicle by Maoists. (PTI)
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
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari condemns the attack
My tributes to the brave Jawans killed in the attack. The Maoists will have to pay a heavy price for this cowardly movement.
Not enough attention to law and order, says NCP leader Sharad Pawar
The state government has not paid enough attention to the law and order in the Nadal affected area. On Maharashtra day, in gadchiroli's Jamburkheda area , 16 SRPF jawans were killed.
Home ministry is under CM Fadnavis and hence he needs to resign immediately.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemns Gadchiroli attack
Tributes to Jawans killed in naxal violence in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. In this hour of grief, I and the Congress party are with the martyrs ' families. The entire country is opposed to this horrific violence by the Maoists. We will unitedly defeat this violent ideology.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on the Maoist attack:
Deeply pained by the attack on security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I express my condolences to the bereaved families.
Maharashtra DGP Subodh Jaiswal said incorrect to term the Naxal attack as intelligence failure, news agency PTI reported.
Governor cancels Maharashtra Day Reception
After the Maoist attack, the Governor of Maharashtra CH. Vidyasagar Rao has cancelled the Reception and Cultural Programme organized at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai today evening.
"Will Fight This Menace": Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis On the attack:
I strongly condemn this attack and we will fight this menace with even more and stronger efforts. I also spoke to Hon Union Home Minister @rajnathsingh ji and briefed him about the situation in Maharashtra."
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called the attack a cowardice act.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the attack and said they will fight this menace with even more and stronger efforts.
Suresh Prabhu called the attack an act of cowardice and desperation.
Suresh Prabhu said that he was saddened by the unfortunate attack.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his anger. He tweeted:
Gujarat Congress MP Ahmed Patel condemned the attack. He tweeted:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the attack "despicable" and said that the "perpetrators of such violence will not be spared".
- Fifteen security personnel and their driver have been killed in after a powerful explosion
- An improvised explosive device (IED) blast was triggered on a police vehicle