Gadchiroli terror: Naxals kill 18 cops

On Thursday, a team of 40 policemen was patrolling the area near Laheri village. They suddenly found themselves confronting more than 200 Naxals. Grossly outnumbered, nevertheless the police put up a brave fight hours. 18 policemen died, 22 survived the attack.

On Thursday 40 policemen, who were patrolling the area near Laheri village were suddenly confronted by more than 200 Naxals. Grossly outnumbered, the police put up a brave fight hours. 18 policemen died, 22 survived the attack.

The 18 men who died in the line of duty in Gadchiroli are being honoured on Friday with a special ceremony at the place where they were ambushed by Naxals.

Rajendra Shyam, who is recovering from his injuries at a hospital says, "They were fully prepared and had lots of weapons, they had surrounded us from all sides."
The injured policemen are determined to fight back. Rajendra Shyam says, “I will get stronger, and go back to fighting the Naxals."

In a tribute to their martyrdom, we bring you pictures of 15 policemen who lost their lives in the battle.
Chandrashekhar Deshmukh, Police Sub Inspector