Chhattisgarh: Bodies of 20 jawans recovered from encounter site; toll now 22

As many as twenty-two security personnel were killed after an exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists on Saturday in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur. Five security personnel were killed in action on Saturday and 20 bodies were recovered this morning, according to the Bijapur Superintendent of Police. Over 30 jawans are currently admitted to hospitals.

On April 2, more than 2000 personnel from at least five camps in Sukma and Bijapur had gone into the forest around Bijapur district, about 60 km from the district headquarters for an anti-naxal operation. Officials said security personnel were trapped in an ambush while returning from the operation.

Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and taken stock of the situation. Earlier, Shah said in a tweet that the valour of the security personnel who laid down their lives fighting the extremists will never be forgotten.