Three CRPF jawans killed in encounter with Naxals

RAIPUR: Three CRPF jawans were killed in an encounter with Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district today, in the third incident of Maoist violence in the state in as many days.

A group of around 250 Naxalites attacked the CRPF camp in Bhejji village of the district, Additional Director General of Police Ram Niwas said. Three CRPF jawans were killed as many injured, he said.

He said 10 Maoists were killed in the encounter, but their bodies were taken away by the ultras.

The Maoists were forced to retreat and fled the scene after the firing which lasted for two hours.

The injured jawans are being taken out of the encounter site and are being shifted to a hospital in Jagdalpur for treatment, he said.

Ram Niwas said senior officials of police and CRPF were rushed to the site and additional police forces were also sent to the area. The police have started their search operation in the area.

This is the third time Naxals have struck in as many days. Yesterday, they blew up an anti-landmine vehicle, killing 10 security personnel in the district.

On Thursday, they had opened indiscriminate fire near the camp of Chhattisgarh Armed Force in Naraynpur district, killing four jawans and leaving another injured.