Investigators seem to have found a lead in the naxal attack that took place in Gadchiroli on Wednesday that killed 15 jawans and a civilian driver. Sources said that six naxal units (see map) of Gadchiroli and Chhattisgarh were involved in the attack — Tippagadh Dalam (unit), Devri Dalam, Permili Dalam, Aheri Dalam, Khekadi Dalam and Etapalli Dalam. These were controlled by 'Company 4' of CPI (Maoist).

The day after the attack, the Maoists also put up banners calling for a halt to all developmental work in the region over allegations of "capitalist propaganda." An officer said that a naxal dalam is an armed force containing 10 to 15 members. "The Maharashtra police department has a detailed dossier on the details regarding the dalams, their members, people in-charge and other details," he said. Since the police force works with teams from other neighbouring states like Telangana, Chhatisgarh etc, it enables information gathering, he added.