In Maharashtra, joint combing and search operations by the police and other security agencies are continuing in the naxal affected Gadchiroli district to nab the culprits behind yesterday's landmine blast.

Top police officials are supervising the operation. Twelve jawans of 192nd Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force were killed and 31 more injured in a landmine blast triggered by a group of Naxalites.

The incident took place near Pustola village on Karwafa – Pendhari road in Dhanora taluka of the district when the team was opening the road and travelling to Gatta village for the planned distribution of essential commodities under the Civic Action Plan of the CRPF.