In Maharashtra, the police and other security agencies are continuing the joint combing and search operations in Gadchiroli district following the naxal attack in which twelve CRPF jawans were killed and thirty one injured.

The minibus carrying the police personnel was devastated in the landmine blast and the Naxals managed to flee from the spot immediately despite the efforts of the security agencies to nab them.

Maharashtra Home Minister Mr. R. R. Patil today visited the seriously wounded jawans undergoing treatment in a Nagpur hospital.

Later speaking to reporters he asserted that there was no intelligence input with regard to the Naxal attack in Dhanora taluka. He called for suitable amendments to the relevant laws in order to facilitate the police and security agencies further to control the menace.

Mr. Patil has since proceeded to Gadchiroli to review and take stock of the situation at a high-level meeting later in the day.