Raipur, Mar 11 (Agencies): In a major attack, Naxals Tuesday ambushed a joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, killing at least three personnel with many more feared dead and injured.
Three jawans were confirmed dead, while Chhattisgarh Police ADG (Intelligence) Mukesh Gupta said 15 more personnel were suspected to have been killed in the Naxal attack that took place in a dense forest.
CRPF sources said 15 of its personnel and five from state police may have been killed in the ambush. An assistant commandant rank officer of CRPF is believed to be among those feared killed.
Several jawans were also injured in the attack, which took place at Tahakwada between Tongapal and Jeeram Ghati in Sukma district.
Gupta informed that a joint team of CRPF and state police was attacked by a large group of Naxalites at the 'Jeeram Nullah' under the Tongapal Police Station area of the district.
Sources said a squad of 44 personnel, including 30 CRPF and 14 state police, were out for an operation, when Naxals triggered landmine blasts and firing leading to the killings.
“We are getting reports of blasts and firing. For the time being the firing has stopped. Reinforcements have been sent,” RK Vij, ADG (Naxal operations), said.
“Exact situation will be assessed once we reach the spot of encounter,” he said further, adding, “Exact location of the ambush is between Tongpal and Jeeram; spot is 5 kilometres from Tongpal.”
Following the attack, an encounter broke out between the CRPF-police personnel and Maoists. Reinforcements have also been rushed to the spot, where fierce firing was reported between the two sides. The area is reported to be 'heavily mined'.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra confirmed the attack, but did not specify the death toll.
Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said they are “getting information, (but) cannot say anything right now”.
Police sources said the firefight started at around 10:30 am this morning, adding the death toll is expected to rise.
The incident took place in the same area where Naxalites had killed 76 police personnel in April 2010.