At least 15 security personnel and a driver were killed in an IED blast in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra on Wednesday.

The Naxals triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) to blow up a police vehicle, which was carrying 16 security personnel from the Kurkheda Quick Response Team of Gadchiroli police. The blast took place between Jamborkheda and Lendhari, according to local police.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to strongly condemn the attack.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave details of the incident in his post on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called the attack on the Maharashtra Police personnel "an act of cowardice and desperation".