Two top leaders among 12 Maoists killed in Gadchiroli

The Maharashtra police ascertained the identity of 12 of the 16 Maoists killed on Sunday in Gadchiroli district of the State during an anti-Maoist operation.

“The dead Maoists include three Dalam commanders (of CPI Maoist) and two senior leaders. The 12 Maoists, identified so far, carried a combined reward of ₹82 lakh. Out of 16 dead Maoists, seven were women,” the Gadchiroli police said in a statement.

Maharashtra’s Director General of Police Satish Mathur said the operation was the result of sustained efforts by the State Police in the Maoist affected areas, due to which the police were now receiving pinpointed intelligence inputs.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Mr. Mathur said, “ The dead Maoists include some senior members, including Sainath, who had over 75 offences registered against him..

In a gaffe, however, he referred to the deceased Maoists as having been ‘martyred.’

When journalists questioned his use of the word ‘shaheed’, he jokingly dismissed it saying, “Humne shaheed kar diye (We martyred them).”

(With Gautam Mengle)