Superintendent of Police Mohammed Suvez Haque told reporters this evening that district police C-60 commando force was conducting anti-Naxalite operations after being informed that Naxalites, including some senior cadres, were camping there.
On seeing the police, around 30 Naxalites, including some women, opened fire on the police. The police too retaliated, triggering an exchange of fire that lasted for 15 minutes, after which the Naxalites fled.
Later, the police found a steel box buried, containing live catridges, some Naxalite literature, utensils, two sets of walkie talkies, two uniforms and a switch.
Senior CPI-Maoist cadres, including its Maharashtra State Secretary Milind Teltumbde, commander of platoon B Pahadsingh alias Ashok Madkam, commander of Korchi dalam Gopalsing alias Darbansingh Madavi and divisional committee member Rajesh alias Sujansingh Madkam, were allegedly involved in the firing, the police said.
Haque also said the police plan to organise a 'surrender week' during which they will appeal Naxalites to surrender before the police.
Family members of those working in the Naxalite movement will also be asked to participate in this initiative to convince the Naxalites to lay down arms.
The date of this event will be declared soon, he said.