Bijapur, July 18: Tragedy struck in Bijapur district as two security personnel lost their lives and four others sustained injuries in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Naxals, Bastar Police reported on Thursday.
The fallen soldiers, Constable Bharat Sahu from Raipur and Constable Satyer Singh Kange from Narayanpur, were part of a joint anti-Naxal operation involving STF, DRG, CoBRA, and CRPF teams. The operation was launched following intelligence inputs indicating the presence of Naxals from Darbha Division, West Bastar Division, and Military Company No. 2 in the border region between Bijapur, Dantewada, and Sukma.
"On July 17, 2024, two STF jawans were killed and four jawans were injured due to an IED blast by a Naxal in the Tarrem area of Bijapur district. Additional security forces have been deployed to the area, and arrangements have been made for the treatment of the injured STF jawans," the police stated.
This incident follows a significant anti-Naxal operation where security forces launched a major offensive at Wandoli Village on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, resulting in the deaths of 12 Naxals and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms. Led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operations) with seven C60 teams, the operation targeted a group of 12-15 Naxals believed to be camping in the area.
During the operation, security forces recovered the bodies of 12 Naxals, including DVCM Laxman Atram, alias Vishal Atram, who led the Tipagad Dalam. They also seized a range of weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, two INSAS rifles, a carbine, and a self-loading rifle (SLR).
Amidst the engagement, one police sub-inspector (PSI) of the C60 unit and one jawan sustained bullet injuries. Both have been evacuated to Nagpur, where they are currently recovering.
The series of operations underscores the ongoing challenges and risks faced by security forces in combating Naxal insurgency in the region.
