Biggest action taken in past one year: Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde on Gadchiroli encounter

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A day after 26 Naxalites were killed in an encounter in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde called it the "biggest action taken" in the country in past one year and congratulated the police for the same.

"26 Naxalites have been killed in an encounter with Naxalites in Gadchiroli yesterday. This is the biggest action taken in the country in the last year. I congratulated the police. 4 police personnel were injured and they were immediately admitted to the hospital" said Shinde.

He also stated that Naxal leader Milind Teltumbde who was carrying a bounty of Rs 50 lakhs on his head was killed in the encounter.

"Milind Teltumbde has been killed in this encounter. He was the leader of Naxalites in Maharashtra and neighboring states. A reward of Rs 50 lakhs was announced on him in the state. Hai death is a big setback for the Naxalites movement" added Shinde.

• On Saturday, Teltumbde was among the 26 Naxalites who was killed in an encounter with the police in the jungles of Gyarapatti in Gadchiroli. A total of 26 bodies were recovered out of which 20 were male while 6 were females.

As per reports, police personnel who were involved in this encounter will also be honoured.

The search operation is still underway and some bodies are yet to be identified.