In a rare strict disciplinary action, the CRPF has suspended 17 of its troopers, including four junior officers.

An inquiry found that the troopers deserted their martyred colleagues during a deadly Naxal ambush earlier this year in Chhattisgarh which claimed 16 lives along with a civilian.

A Court of Inquiry instituted immediately after the March 11 incident in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district found that these personnel, part of the squad that was trapped in the ambush in a narrow field, displayed lack of action and did not shows satisfactory counter action to save their fellow troopers as they themselves ran for safety of their lives.

The Inspector General Chhattisgarh has placed them under suspension after the preliminary inquiry found them guilty on these charges. CRPF Director General Dilip Trivedi told PTI today the full inquiry would be completed within three months time.