Intense Gunfight Breaks Out in Gadchiroli District
Police battle Naxals in intense Maharashtra border clash.
A fierce encounter erupted between Maharashtra Police and Naxal insurgents in Gadchiroli district near the Chhattisgarh border on Wednesday morning, escalating tensions in the region. The clash began when a C-60 commando team, acting on precise intelligence about Naxal activity, launched a search operation in the dense forests near Koparshi village. The operation quickly turned violent as Naxals opened fire on the security forces, prompting a robust retaliation.
According to a senior police official, the operation was initiated early Wednesday after credible intelligence indicated the presence of a Naxal group in the Koparshi forest area, a known hotspot for insurgent activity. The C-60 commandos, a specialized anti-Naxal unit of the Gadchiroli Police, were deployed to neutralize the threat. As the team advanced, the Naxals initiated an ambush, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire that was still ongoing at the time of reporting.
Gadchiroli, located in eastern Maharashtra, has long been a stronghold for Naxal operations, with frequent clashes between security forces and insurgents. The region’s proximity to Chhattisgarh, another Naxal-affected state, makes it a critical area for anti-insurgency operations. The C-60 unit, trained specifically for such high-stakes missions, has been instrumental in curbing Naxal activities in recent years.
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No casualties have been reported so far, but the situation remains volatile as security forces continue their search for the insurgents. The police have intensified surveillance in the area, and additional reinforcements have been dispatched to support the operation. Authorities are also investigating the scale of the Naxal presence and their potential plans, given the region’s history of subversive activities during sensitive periods.
This encounter follows a series of operations in Gadchiroli, including a significant clash in July 2024, where 12 Naxals were killed, and another in October 2024, where five insurgents were neutralized. These operations have significantly weakened Naxal formations in the region, but the latest clash underscores the persistent challenge of insurgency in Maharashtra’s border areas.
As the gunfight continues, the Gadchiroli Police remain on high alert, determined to maintain control and prevent any escalation. The outcome of this operation could further impact the Naxal movement in the region, as security forces aim to disrupt their networks and ensure public safety.
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