In a tragic incident, three security personnel were killed, and 14 others sustained injuries in an exchange of fire with Naxals in Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred near Tekalgudem village along the Sukma-Bijapur border while a joint team of security personnel was on a search operation.
The clash took place around 1 pm when a team from the 201st battalion of the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) and the 150th battalion of the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) was working in the area to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB). The security forces engaged in the exchange of fire with Naxals, resulting in casualties.
The Bastar Range Inspector General of Police stated that the clash occurred in the same area where 23 jawans had lost their lives in a similar incident in 2021. The security personnel were reportedly conducting the operation to address the Naxal threat in the region.
Earlier on the same day, security forces averted a major tragedy by recovering two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district. Acting on a tip-off, the police discovered the IEDs, weighing 5 kg and 3 kg, planted on dirt tracks. These explosive devices were intended to target security personnel during patrolling. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) successfully defused the bombs, preventing a potential disaster.
The incident highlights the persistent challenges and threats posed by Naxal activities in certain regions of Chhattisgarh. Security forces are often engaged in counter-insurgency operations to address the Naxal menace and ensure the safety of both civilians and personnel involved in maintaining law and order. The sacrifices of the security personnel in such operations underscore the complexities and risks associated with combating insurgency in affected areas. The government and security agencies continue to work on strategies to address the root causes of Naxalism and enhance the security apparatus to effectively counter these threats.
