In a significant anti-Naxal operation in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, security forces have neutralized three Naxalites. The operation, which has been ongoing for the past three days, also resulted in the death of a C-60 commando of the Gadchiroli Police, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the encounter.

The encounter took place in the dense forests of the Abujhmad forest region near the Maharashtra–Chhattisgarh border, within the Bhamragad subdivision. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs received on February 3rd regarding the movement of a Naxal group, including Company No. 10 and a 'dalam' unit from Chhattisgarh.

Acting on this information, the Gadchiroli Police initiated a major anti-Naxal operation, deploying 14 commando teams on Thursday. A fierce exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the destruction of two Naxal camps. Reinforcements, including personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were brought in to intensify the operation.

As of Friday morning, the bodies of three Naxalites had been recovered from the site, including one female. Authorities also seized one AK-47 rifle and one SLR (Self-Loading Rifle). The identities of the deceased Naxalites are yet to be established.

Tragically, C-60 commando Deepak Chinna Madavi, 38, a resident of Aheri taluka, sustained serious injuries during the heavy firing. He was immediately airlifted to the Bhamragad Sub-District Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Another C-60 jawan, Joga Madavi, was also injured in the encounter and is reported to be in stable condition. He is being transferred to Gadchiroli for further medical care.

Police officials have stated that search operations are still underway in the area to ensure that no additional Naxal elements are present. Further details are expected to emerge as the operation concludes.

The C-60 force is a specialized unit of the Maharashtra Police trained in counter-insurgency operations. Their operations are typically based on precise intelligence to intercept Naxalite activity in the Gadchiroli region.