12 CRPF Men Dead As Maoists Ambush Security Team In Chhattisgarh's Sukma

New Delhi: Twelve personnel of the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) have died after they were ambushed by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Sukma. Five others have been injured in the ambush, which took place in Bheji district. The Maoists, reports said, later robbed 10 guns and the radio sets of the deceased CRPF men. Union minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, saying, "The Centre is in direct communication with the state government. Those who perpetrated this incident in Sukma will be brought to justice."

The CRPF said the men were providing security to road construction teams when the IED blast occurred.

The injured were evacuated by helicopter to the CRPF Field Surgical Unit, Bheji and CoBRA men were sent to the spot as reinforcements.

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and said Home Minister Rajnath Singh would be visiting Sukma.

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

Spoke to Home Minister @rajnathsingh Ji on the situation in Sukma. He is going to Sukma to take stock of the situation.

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2017

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences and said the attackers will be brought to justice. He said he had spoken to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, and the state government is providing all medical assistance to the injured. He also said that the family of each martyr will get at least one crore in compensation.

"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 Centre is in direct communication with the state government. Those who perpetrated this incident in Sukma will be brought to justice," he said.