A fierce confrontation erupted between Naxalites and security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, spanning from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday, March 28. The operation, initiated in response to intelligence received by the Gadchiroli Police, targeted armed Naxal cadres from Kasansur Chatgaon Dalam and Aundhi Dalam of Chhattisgarh, believed to be encamped along the Maharashtra border.
Located near Bhumkan village, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of SPS Kasansur and 12 kilometers southeast of Jarawandi, the Naxal cadre's presence was detected with the intention of orchestrating disruptive activities preceding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Led by Additional SP Kumar Chinta, the operation mobilized eight C60 commandos and a Quick Action Team from the CRPF. Upon engagement, Naxals initiated indiscriminate firing towards security personnel, prompting a robust retaliatory response.
The exchange of fire persisted throughout the night, marked by intense bouts at 6 pm and 11:30 pm on Wednesday, and at 4:30 am on Thursday, amidst challenging visibility conditions. In the face of escalating pressure, the Naxals eventually retreated from the area.
Following the altercation, security forces conducted thorough searches on Thursday morning, yielding a significant cache of explosives, including gelatin sticks, wires, batteries, solar panels, and Maoist propaganda material, as confirmed by Superintendent of Police (SP) Nilotpal.
