31 Maoists, 2 Indian commandos killed in clashes in Central India
A gunfight broke out in the jungles of Bijapur, Chhattisgarh state. Maoist rebels were inspired by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong
Indian security forces killed at least 31 Maoist rebels on Sunday in one of the deadliest clashes since the government ramped up efforts to crush the long-running insurgency.
Two Indian commandos were also killed in the battle, and two other security force members were wounded, police said.
“So far 31 dead bodies of the Maoists have been recovered,” senior police officer Sundarraj P said. “Two security personnel are dead and two other security personnel are injured.”
Reinforcements have been sent to the area, he said, warning that the death toll could rise as the police carry out search operations.
“Additional forces have been rushed to the encounter site,” he said.
Police said they had seized assault rifles and grenade launchers from the bodies of the dead rebels.
