Chhattisgarh: 13 CRPF men killed in Maoist ambush

According to reports, the Maoists attacked security forces when they were carrying out an operation deep inside the forests.

"Thirteen CRPF men have died in a Maoist ambush near Kasalpara village of Sukma district today.The deceased personnel include two officials of the CPRF posted in Sukma," R.K.Vij, the Additional Director General (ADG), Naxal operations, Chhattisgarh told The Hindu.

Rajnath Singh strongly condemned the deadly attack and tweeted: "Deeply saddened and disturbed to know of 13 CRPF men being killed by the Naxals during an ongoing encounter in Chhattisgarh."

"It is an act of cowardice. I strongly condemn this dastardly act of violence," he posted.

Regretting the loss of lives, Singh wrote: "I express my condolences to the families of our brave CRPF men who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty."

The Minister also spoke to state Chief Minister Raman Singh and directed him to monitor the situation.

"Spoke to CM Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh and the DGP of the state and asked them to monitor the situation in the area," Singh tweeted.

Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi have also condemned the attack.

The Congress party tweeted: "Smt. Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock and deep anguish at gruesome killing of CRPF personnel in a Naxal attack in Sukma in Chhattisgarh."

"Extending her condolences to the family of the Martyrs, Smt. Gandhi expressed the hope that the injured were being adequately treated. Smt. Gandhi demanded that the Govt. looks into all aspects of the ghastly incident. #Chhattisgarh," the party tweeted.

The party quoting Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "Deeply saddened and shocked at the death of CRPF personnel in a Maoist attack in Sukma, Chhattisgarh."

Maoists had fired at an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter in the state last month injuring CRPF men and an IAF commando.