In Chhattisgarh, at least 20 suspected naxalites were killed and six CRPF jawans injured after a fierce overnight encounter in the jungles of Basaguda in Bijapur district. Two suspected Maoists have also been arrested after the encounter. The encounter took place in the forests of Silger, an uncharted Maoist zone between Jagargunda and Basaguda in Bijapur district of Bastar region. It was launched last night in a joint operation by CRPF and state police personnel from three directions. CRPF sources said, there were reports of three more naxals being killed.

According to official sources, six CRPF men including two Cobra commandos sustained bullet injuries and they have been air-lifted for medical treatment to the state capital Raipur. The official said, this is the biggest offensive by the security agencies in the naxal stronghold in Chhattisgarh this year.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from CRPF and the Chhattisgarh government on the incident.