23 CRPF men, cops ‘left without a fight’ as Naxals ambushed colleagues

“In our communication to the state police, we have recommended disciplinary action against them,” said the IG office in a statement to The Indian Express.

The probe report also said that the deceased personnel fought bravely and has recommended gallantry award to 10 of the 11 CRPF personnel killed in the encounter.

Forty three personnel — 31 CRPF and 12 Chhattisgarh police — had left Tongpal police station on March 11 morning when they were caught in an ambush on a National Highway with open fields on both sides. Fifteen securitymen, who comprised the first line of the party, died on the spot, while most of the others deserted their embattled colleagues, the probe has found.

Of the five survivors who were let-off in the probe, three could have been charged with “non-action” but they had suffered injuries in the gunbattle. It is probably the first instance when over half of a police team involved in an anti-Naxal operation has been found guilty of “lack of satisfactory counter-action”.

The inquiry also noted that “there was delay in sending reinforcement”.

Tongpal police camp was only four to five-minute drive from the spot, but the reinforcement party did not arrive in time. “These comprise around 25 personnel (both CRPF and police) who were present at the camp. They have not been suspended now, but will face a separate departmental enquiry,” said a CRPF officer. “The role of Tongpal thana in-charge is also under scanner.”

The state police, however, said they were waiting for the CRPF report. “We are yet to receive the CRPF report,” Bastar IG SRP Kalluri said.

Interestingly, while 15 securitymen had died in the ambush, the Maoists snatched 18 rifles indicating that those who survived could not even manage to save their weapons.

Six AK-47s, some of which were fitted with under barrel grenade launchers, 18 magazines of the same rifles, one light machine gun with 10 magazines, nine INSAS rifles with 30 magazines, two SLRs with six magazines and two wireless sets were looted — sufficient to raise a company of the Maoists.