In a tragic incident in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, a Naxal attack on the Bedre camp resulted in the martyrdom of a CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), with another jawan sustaining injuries. The attack unfolded as Naxals targeted the Jawans, who were on a search operation.
The injured jawan, bleeding profusely, was swiftly evacuated to the camp for immediate medical attention. The incident unfolded during an anti-Naxal operation conducted by a team from the CRPF's 165th battalion on Sunday morning in the Jagargunda police station area. Launched around 7 am from Bedre camp towards Ursangal village, the operation took a tragic turn as an exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the death of sub-inspector Sudhakar Reddy and injuries to constable Ramu. After the confrontation ceased, authorities apprehended four suspects at the scene.
The CRPF, along with its elite unit CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) and district force personnel, jointly conducted a search in the region. The injured constable was swiftly transported to a hospital for medical attention. Hailing from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, Sub-Inspector Sudhakar Reddy became a casualty in the line of duty.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, deeply saddened by the incident, paid tribute to the martyred sub-inspector and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured constable. In a high-level meeting with concerned officials on Sunday, CM Sai emphasized the need to expedite the ongoing anti-Naxal operation in the state. Declaring a collective mission to eliminate Naxalism, he expressed confidence in achieving this goal with the support of the Centre.
"Naxalites indulge in violence out of frustration. We will win the people's confidence through development (in Naxal-hit areas). We will eliminate Naxalism with the support of the Centre," declared CM Sai during the meeting. He instructed officials to extend every possible assistance to the families of the martyred personnel. The meeting, attended by Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Director General of Police Ashok Juneja, and other senior officials, underscored the gravity of the situation.
This incident adds to the mounting toll, with three security personnel losing their lives and seven sustaining injuries in separate Naxal encounters since December 2 in the Bastar region. On December 14, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was killed in a blast triggered by Naxalites in Kanker district, while a Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF) jawan met a similar fate in a Naxal attack in Narayanpur district on December 13.
The relentless cycle of violence in the region underscores the challenges faced by security forces combating the Naxal insurgency. As the state grapples with the aftermath of these tragic incidents, the commitment to eradicating Naxalism remains a priority for both the state and central authorities. The sacrifice of personnel like Sub-Inspector Sudhakar Reddy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace and security in the Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh.
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