Intelligence on the presence of prized Maoist leader Hidma now appears to have been a trap in the jungles of Chhattisgarh, India Today reported.
According to the report, Naxals ambushed government forces on the border of Sukma and Bijapur on Saturday, killing 22 forces personnel.
A massive group of armed Maoists was waiting in the same area where anti-insurgency operations were launched on the basis of intelligence inputs.
The Naxals took security forces by surprise resulting in a pitched gun battle that continued for over three hours from a close range, the national news channel quoting sources reported.
“It is rare for such specific and accurate human and technical intelligence. It is a big deal if it comes true. Maoist presence in the area ready for a counter-attack makes it look like a trap now,” said an official privy to details on the ground.
The report said that some of the forces personnel lost their lives because of dehydration.
“Many forces personnel, to lighten their load, got rid of food and water to carry their injured colleagues. As the gunfight continued for long, it led to dehydration as the area is extremely hot and humid,” sources told India Today.
