16 Naxals killed in police encounter in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, search ops continue

In one of the biggest encounters with Naxals, 16 Naxalites have been killed in Etapalli's Boriya forest area in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.

All bodies of the killed Naxals have been recovered. Search operations are still on as it is suspected that Naxalites could launch attacks during the night on security forces.

The crossfire started at 11 am today morning

The Tendu leaves season has begun which leads to many Naxals cadres enter Gadchiroli district to extort money from Tendu leaves contractors.

Tendu leaves are the main source of income for Naxals and helps them to run their operations.

Based on a specific input, anti-Naxal forces of Maharashtra police were conducting search in the Tadagav area when they were targeted with heavy firing.

The police was informed about the movement of some division al commanders active in the area.

The encounter has happened around 150 kilometers from police headquarters in Bhamragad tehsil of Gadchiroli district. The encounter started after the latenight search operation by C 60 Commandoes of Gadchiroli police.

As per latest inputs, the operation is likely to continue and death toll of Naxals might reach 25.

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