Mumbai: At least 16 persons, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district Wednesday, police said.
The blast came after Naxals torched 25 vehicles which belonged to a road construction contractor earlier in the day, police said.
Those killed were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli police, which were on the way to inspect the torched vehicles, an official said.
The blast took place as the vehicle reached Lendhari nallah in Kurkheda area, the official said.
Police teams are reaching the spot for evacuation operation, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday strongly condemned the Naxal attack, saying perpetrators of such violence will not be spared.
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
“Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he tweeted.
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