In a devastating attack, Naxals detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing approximately 60 to 70 kilograms, killing eight security personnel and a civilian driver in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, on Monday. This marks the deadliest strike on security forces in the region in two years.
The incident occurred at around 2:15 PM near Ambeli village under Kutru police station limits. The victims, including four members each from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, were returning from a three-day anti-Naxalite operation when their Scorpio vehicle was targeted. The blast created a crater over 10 feet deep, splitting the concrete road and obliterating the vehicle.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P. confirmed that all passengers, including the driver, died on the spot. The operation, conducted across the borders of Narayanpur, Dantewada, and Bijapur districts, had resulted in the elimination of five Naxalites and one DRG head constable prior to the attack.
Preliminary Investigation and Response
Officials believe the IED was planted long before the attack, with evidence suggesting buried wires concealed under a layer of soil and grass. A 150-meter-long wire connected to the device’s trigger was recovered from the scene. Forensic experts are currently analyzing the site to gather more details about the explosive device.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Bastar) Kamlochan Kashyap acknowledged lapses that may have led to the tragedy but refrained from elaborating. Reinforcements have been deployed, and search operations are underway to apprehend those responsible.
Victims Identified
The deceased security personnel include:
- DRG Head Constable: Budhram Korsa
- DRG Constables: Pandaru Ram Poyay, Baman Sodhi, Dumma Markam
- Bastar Fighters Constables: Somdu Vetti, Sudarshan Vetti, Subarnath Yadav, Harish Korram
- Civilian Driver: Tuleshwar Rana
The victims hailed from Bijapur, Dantewada, and Bastar districts. Their bodies have been transported to Dantewada for a wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.
Condolences and Commitments
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed their grief and resolute determination to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
President Murmu stated, “The country is determined to completely eradicate Naxalism.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured, “The sacrifice of our soldiers will not go in vain. We will end Naxalism from India by March 2026.”
Chief Minister Sai labeled the attack as an act of frustration by Naxalites facing intensified counter-insurgency operations. “The martyrdom of our jawans will not go in vain,” he asserted.
A History of Naxalite Violence
This incident is the first major Naxal attack in 2025 and comes amid the government’s push to eliminate LWE. In April 2023, ten security personnel and a civilian driver were killed in a similar IED blast in Dantewada district.
Moving Forward
Authorities are intensifying counter-Naxalite measures in the Bastar region, with enhanced security protocols and sustained operations aimed at dismantling Naxalite networks. Despite this tragic loss, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring peace and security in affected regions.
