Bomb had 40 kg explosives
The 12 deceased killed in Gadchiroli Naxal attack were from the 192 Battalion.
The bus was part of a fleet of the CRPF vehicles that were en route to a civic action programme in Gatta village.
CRPF officials said that the container bomb had around 40 kg of explosives in it. Two copters were rushed to the spot immediately. Of the 28 injured, the condition of eight is critical and they have been sent to a hospital in Nagpur. The rest are recuperating at a local hospital in Gadchiroli.
Around 10 tribals, who were found running away from the spot, have been detained for questioning. “Our men spotted some people running and apprehended them. They claim to be tribals. But there were no farms or houses nearby, and we find their being at the spot at noon, when the heat is harsh, very suspicious. We have not yet arrested anyone but are making inquiries,” he said.
Six CRPF companies with 70 personnel each have been dispatched to the nearby jungles for search operations.
“We hold civic action programmes regularly in villages to develop ties with the villagers. We listen to their grievances and offer them help like holding medical camps, giving sewing machines to widows, etc. We also organise sports events. This event was being conducted on Tuesday and I was also supposed to visit the village. The word about the event had spread and we think the Naxals were preparing to attack us ever since they found out about it,” Commandant Samyal said.
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