Maoist attack: CRPF death toll rises to 25, Rajnath to visit Raipur today

The attack took place on Monday afternoon in south Bastar region of Sukma, Chhattisgarh.

In a well coordinated attack, at least 300 insurgents attacked a battalion of 99 soldiers carrying out an exercise for an under-construction road.

"We were set upon by 300 of them... villagers, women and the militia-types in black uniforms. They carried automatic weapons, AK 47, INSAS rifles," Sher Mohammad, a CRFP jawan and a survivor was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The ambush also left six jawans injured, who were flown to the state capital Raipur for treatment.

Meanwhile, the incident has drawn widespread criticism from all corners.

President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the loss and tweeted, "Strongly condemn attack on CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh; condolences to families of deceased & prayers for injured."

Expressing his grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the sacrifices of the jawans 'will not go in vain'.

"We are proud of the valour of our @crpfindia personnel. The sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain. Condolences to their families."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit Raipur on Tuesday to take stock of the situation.

The Director General of the CRPF visited the hospital on Tuesday morning and spoke to survivors.

"We pay rich tributes to our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of the Nation on this day. #BharatKeVeer," a CRPF tweet read.

"DG CRPF visited Ramakrishna Hospital Raipur & met the 03 injured admitted there. He also discussed their condition with the team of Doctors," an ensuing tweet added.