More than 600 CRPF personnel, including CoBRA commandos, have been rushed to sanitise and take control of the Naxal attack site in Chhattisgarh where at least 17 people were killed on Saturday.

The Centre has mobilised the CRPF personnel to not only take control of the area but also launch search and rescue operations as it is suspected that some people may be present in nearby jungles.

Top officials of the force, deployed for anti-Naxal operations in the state, will visit the encounter site on Sunday, official sources said.

The CRPF has also asked all its formations in the state to remain on high alert in the wake of the deadly attack in south Bastar.

“Home Ministry has sent additional forces to Chhattisgarh to assist the local administration in launching combing operations for rescue of kidnapped persons,” Home Ministry sources said adding “the state government has been assured of all help”.

The Home Ministry has also sought a report from the state government on Saturday’s violence.

The MHA officials are in regular touch with state government officials and are monitoring the situation.

While senior Congress leader Mahendra Karma was killed in the attack, another leader VC Shukla is reported to be critical after sustaining three bullet injuries.

The Maoists also kidnapped PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel and his son Dinesh after attacking a convoy of Congress leaders in Darba Gati Valley in Jagdalpur district.

Minister of state for Home R P N Singh is leaving for the Maoist attack site in Jagdalpur on Sunday as Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde is now abroad.

Home Ministry officials briefed Shinde about the incident.