Braving Deadly Blasts, Security Forces Press On Against Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur
In a powerful testament to courage and resolve, eleven security personnel were injured on Sunday after a series of six improvised explosive device (IED) blasts rocked an anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, just a day ahead of Republic Day.
Despite the dangerous terrain and repeated explosions, the brave jawans continued the mission before being evacuated and flown to Raipur for advanced medical care.
The operation was launched late Saturday following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of a large Maoist formation in the western region of Usur in Bijapur.
A joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the CRPF’s elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) moved into the dense forested stretch near the Karegutta hills, located along the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border — an area long considered a Maoist stronghold.
Security agencies believe that Battalion 1 of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the armed wing of the banned CPI (Maoist), is entrenched in the hilly terrain.
Though it is yet to be confirmed whether this particular unit planted the explosives, intelligence reports suggest the battalion still has more than 100 armed cadres hiding in the region.
During the operation, six powerful IED blasts went off in quick succession, severely injuring personnel who were advancing through the rugged landscape.
Ten of the injured belonged to the DRG, while one was a sub-inspector from CoBRA.
Among the wounded was Sub-Inspector G.D. Rudresh Singh of CoBRA’s 201 Battalion, who suffered a serious leg injury.
DRG jawans Shailendra Ekka and Aiyatu Potam also sustained severe injuries to their legs, while Sonam Kunjam, Ramesh Hemla, and Prakash Miccha suffered splinter wounds to their eyes. Several others were hurt in the explosions but remained conscious despite the trauma.
Rescue teams faced immense challenges in evacuating the injured due to the difficult terrain and the constant threat of more explosives.
Yet, demonstrating exceptional coordination and grit, the forces successfully carried their wounded comrades to safety. All injured personnel were airlifted by helicopter to Raipur, where they are undergoing treatment.
“It was extremely tough to move them out from such a hostile and remote area, but our teams ensured every injured jawan was rescued. They are all stable, conscious, and out of danger,” a senior police officer said.
The incident underscores the relentless dangers faced by security forces in their mission to dismantle Maoist networks in central India. This year alone, forces have neutralised 20 Maoists.
Over the past two years — 2024 and 2025 — more than 500 Maoists have been eliminated, with Bijapur emerging as the epicentre of major operations.
However, the fight has come at a high cost. During this period, 42 security personnel and 117 civilians lost their lives in Maoist-related violence.
With just over two months left before the Centre’s March 31 deadline to completely eradicate the Maoist insurgency, authorities say the backbone of the banned outfit has largely been broken. Most of its senior leadership has either been killed, surrendered, or forced to flee the state.
Yet, as Sunday’s blasts reveal, the remaining pockets of extremists continue to pose a serious threat — one that India’s brave soldiers confront daily with unwavering determination.
Their courage in the face of hidden explosives, harsh terrain, and constant danger stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to secure peace and stability in the region.