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 the Tuesday's landmine blast.

Top police officials are supervising the operation. 12 jawans of Cobra 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 while the team was opening the road and travelling to Gatta village for the planned distribution essential commodities under the Civic Action Plan of the CRPF.

The bodies of the martyrs have already been sent to their native places from the District Headquarters later in the day.