Sukma Maoist Attack: 12 CRPF Killed in Chhattisgarh, PM Modi Expresses Grief

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the death of 12 CRPF personnel in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh in a Maoist attack and said that Home Minister Rajnath Singh would be going there.

"Saddened by the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma. Tributes to the martyrs and condolences to their families. May the injured recover quickly," Modi said in a tweet.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the deaths and said the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice.

"Deeply pained to learn of the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased," the Home Minister said.

"The troops were part of the road clearing party that has been securing an under-construction road between Bhejji and Kottacheru. They were ambushed by Maoists who set off multiple hidden IEDs on the ground and opened fire. The squad effectively retaliated before twelve made the supreme sacrifice," acting CRPF DG Sudeep Lakhtakia said.

He added that Maoists are trying to disrupt normal life and activities in this area as the Central Reserve Police Force has increased its presence here and got re-opened a local 'haat' (market) last year here after it was forcibly shut by the red ultras.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has strongly condemned the Maoista ttack and described it as a "cowardly act".

Security personnel have laid down their lives to free Bastar from violence and Maoist terror. Their sacrifice will not go in vain. "I salute their sacrifice," CM Raman Singh said, adding ultras were frustrated with development of road network in the region.

He also extended condolences to the bereaved families.

The CRPF chief and senior officials are also rushing to Raipur.

According to a CRPF official,summer season is regarded as an offensive period by rebels asthey observe annual 'tactical counter offensive campaign' (TCOC). The dry weather is a favourable period for carrying out ambushes in the vast jungle terrain and this attack would have been planned by Maoists led by hardcore Maoist cadre Hidma who is active in southern part of Bastar, the paramilitary official added.

However, further investigation would reveal the details, he added.

The injured have been air lifted and brought to the CRPF field hospital in Bheji and few others have been transferred to Raipur.

A special counter-Naxal team of CoBRA has been rushed to the ambush spot as reinforcement to sanitise the area and launch a search.

Another senior CRPF officer said the ambush site has very weak mobile phone connectivity and communication is being done through satellite phones.