Maharashtra: 12 Naxalites killed in Gadchiroli, CM Shinde praises officers and soldiers involved in operation

12 Maoists were killed in an operation by Gadchiroli Police in Vandoli village near the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. Police have also seized weapons from the spot. CM Eknath Shinde has expressed gratitude to Gadchiroli Police. CM Shinde has praised the Superintendent of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Gadchiroli Zone), Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) and other senior officers for the successful action taken by Gadchiroli Police. He has praised the bravery of all the soldiers involved in the mission.

CM Shinde said that this action will be a decisive blow to Naxalite activities in Gadchiroli district and our policy is to give priority to development. Violence is strongly opposed. He also said that we are committed to make Gadchiroli district completely Naxal-free.

He said that this unique performance of the police force will strengthen the security system in the area and will help in increasing the sense of security among the public. The police personnel will be given a special reward of Rs 51 lakh. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a special reward of Rs 51 lakh to the jawans involved in this operation.

According to the report, an operation was launched from Gadchiroli at around 10 am on Wednesday. In this, 7C 60 parties led by Deputy SP Ops were sent to Vandoli village near the Chhattisgarh border, as credible information was received about 12-15 Naxalites camping near the village.

Heavy firing started in the afternoon. It continued intermittently for more than 6 hours till late evening. According to SP Nilotpal, the bodies of 12 Maoists have been recovered so far in the search of the area. DVCM Laxman Atram alias Vishal Atram, in-charge of Tipagad Dalam, has been identified among the killed Maoists.