Three Security Personnel Killed, 14 Injured in Maoist Encounter in Chhattisgarh

In a tragic incident, three security personnel lost their lives while 14 others sustained injuries during an encounter with Maoists at a newly established police camp on the borders of Sukma-Bijapur districts in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.

The encounter, which unfolded near Tekulguhdam village in the insurgency-hit region near Jagargunda hills, saw security personnel from CoBRA-elite unit of CRPF, Special Task Force, and District Reserve Guards coming under heavy fire from Maoists while on patrol near the camp. The jawans retaliated, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Maoists reportedly initiated the attack by opening fire and triggering an IED blast, resulting in injuries to several security personnel. The injured were promptly airlifted to Raipur for medical treatment, with authorities assuring that their condition was stable.

Tekulgudam village, where the encounter took place, has witnessed previous instances of violence, including a deadly Maoist ambush in 2021 that claimed the lives of 23 security personnel and left 33 others injured. The region, known as the native place of dreaded Maoist commander Hidma, remains a hotbed of insurgency and poses significant challenges to law enforcement agencies.

Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj emphasized the authorities’ commitment to establishing peace and security in the region, despite the persistent threat of Maoist violence. He lauded the bravery and determination of the security forces in confronting the Naxal menace.

The encounter in Tekulgudam underscores the enduring challenge posed by Maoist insurgents in Bastar, with Hidma’s shadow looming large over the region. Hidma, a mysterious figure with a bounty on his head, remains a key target for security forces striving to quell the insurgency and restore stability.

The ambush, reminiscent of past Maoist attacks in the region, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by security personnel operating in conflict zones. As authorities await further details about the encounter, the incident underscores the ongoing struggle to combat Maoist extremism and safeguard civilian lives in Chhattisgarh’s troubled Bastar region.