What next for Naxal-hit Dantewada CRPF battalion

After almost the entire strength of the ambushed Central Reserve Police Force company belonging to the 62nd Battalion was wiped out in the Maoist attack Tuesday, the top brass of the force is mulling to send the battalion back to the barracks.

The CRPF is also looking at the second option of inducting a new company (around 125 men) into the 62nd battalion to be deployed in the dense jungles of Chhattisgarh to undertake anti-Naxal operations.

Presently, seven companies of this battalion (more than 1,000 personnel) are operating in various districts of the state.

A CRPF battalion has seven companies with an approximate strength of 125 personnel in each. The operational strength of a company is around 76 personnel with other service ranks.

Sources in the paramilitary force said the present battalion could be moved to its headquarters in Lucknow as almost an entire company has been eliminated in the Dantewada attack.

"It has possibly happened for the first time in the history of the force that almost the entire strength of a company has been wiped out in an attack. Some arrangement will have to be made, they said.

The company that came under the brutal attack in Dantewada comprised men form the 'A', 'C' and 'G' companies of the force.

Sources said the move is also being considered as senior CRPF officials found the troops low on morale after the attack on their fellowmen.

The final decision on the two options would be taken keeping in mind the troop morale and operational efficiency of the forces in the Naxal areas, the sources said.