26 CRPF personnel killed in Maoists attack in Chhattisgarh

NEW DELHI: At least 26 CRFP personnel have been killed as Maoists ambushed a patrolling party of CRPF men in Narayanpur district in Bastar region on Tuesday evening.

CRPF IG R K Dua has confirmed the death of CRPF men. He said it was not known how many men were injured. "We are evacuating our men, some have been brought back, and others are in the process of being brought back to safety," he added.

A road opening party, "nearly the size of a company with 70 men" was ambushed by Maoists, 3 kilometres from Dhaudai in Narayanpur district around 1pm, said IG Dua.

The Maoists opened fire from a hilltop when the paramilitary men were returning from road opening duty on foot, CRPF chief Vikram Srivastava said in New Delhi, said media reports.