Three CRPF jawans killed in encounter with Naxals

In the third incident of maoist violence in Chhattisgarh in as many days, three CRPF jawans were killed in an encounter with Naxalites in Dantewada district today. A group of around 250 Naxalites attacked the CRPF camp in Bhejji village of the district, Ram Niwas, additional director general of police, said. Three CRPF jawans were killed and as many were injured, he said.

10 Naxalites were killed in the encounter, but their bodies were taken away by the ultras. The maoists were forced to retreat and fled the scene after the firing, which lasted for two hours. The injured jawans were were being shifted to a hospital in Jagdalpur for treatment, he said.

Niwas said senior officials of police and CRPF were rushed to the site. Additional police forces were also sent. The police have started their search operation in the area. This is the third time Naxals have struck in as many days. Yesterday, they blew up an anti-landmine vehicle, killing 10 security personnel in the district. On Thursday, they had opened indiscriminate fire near the camp of Chhattisgarh Armed Force in Naraynpur district, killing four jawans and leaving another injured.