CRPF deploys SAF commandos in Dantewada

The Central Reserve Police Force deployed commandos of the Special Armed Force in the Naxal-infested forests of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh where Maoists had trapped and gunned down 76 security personnel earlier this week.

Five platoons (about 150 personnel) of SAF, the erstwhile Commando Batallion for Resolute Action wing of CRPF, have been sent to reinforce and assist the 62nd Battalion, official sources said. The Naxals ambushed and wiped out almost the entire strength of the CRPF company of the 62nd Battalion on Tuesday in the deadliest attack on security forces.

Presently, seven companies of this battalion (more than 1,000 personnel) are operating in various districts of Chhattisgarh. A CRPF battalion has seven companies with an approximate strength of 125 personnel in each. The operational strength of a company is around 80 personnel with other service ranks. Following the attack, the CRPF was mulling to move the present battalion to its headquarters in Lucknow.