Key Points:
- Major Attack: Naxalites targeted an armored vehicle on Kutru Road in Bijapur, killing 9 soldiers, including 8 DRG personnel and the driver.
- Retaliation Strike: The attack followed a major operation by security forces in the Abujhmad area the previous day.
- IED Explosion: The vehicle was struck by an IED blast near Ambeli village, causing widespread panic in the region.
- Government Response: Officials pledge intensified action against Naxalism, calling the attack a “cowardly act.”
- Injured Soldiers: Five injured personnel have been hospitalized, and the martyrs’ bodies are being prepared for post-mortem.
Bijapur, Chhattisgarh : A devastating Naxalite attack rocked the Bijapur district on Monday as an IED blast targeted an armored vehicle carrying security personnel, resulting in the deaths of 9 individuals, including 8 soldiers of the Dantewada District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the vehicle’s driver.
The incident occurred around 2:15 PM on the Kutru Road near Ambeli village when a joint team of soldiers from Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Bijapur was returning to camp after a significant anti-Naxalite operation in the Abujhmad area. A Bolero pickup vehicle had been dispatched to transport the returning soldiers, making it a vulnerable target for the Naxalites.
Details of the Attack
According to police reports, the Naxalites detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) under the vehicle, causing a massive explosion. The blast led to the deaths of 9 personnel on the spot, while 5 others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The sheer force of the explosion created chaos and panic in the area, with the blast site bearing signs of the devastating impact. Local residents and law enforcement were left stunned by the suddenness and intensity of the attack.
Retaliatory Strike After Major Operation
Security forces had conducted a large-scale operation in the Abujhmad area on Sunday, which is believed to have triggered the retaliatory strike by the Naxalites. Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh condemned the attack, stating, “Whenever major operations are carried out against Naxalites, they respond with such cowardly acts. The government will not be deterred by these actions and will intensify its measures to combat Naxalism.”
State of Alert and Government Action
The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with security forces placed on high alert. The government has vowed strict action against Naxalites to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of the local population.
Authorities have recovered the bodies of the martyrs and sent them for post-mortem examinations, while investigations into the attack are underway. The injured soldiers are receiving treatment, and their conditions are being closely monitored.
The Human Toll of Naxalism
This tragic attack highlights the ongoing challenge of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, where security forces frequently face life-threatening situations in their efforts to restore peace and order. The sacrifice of these brave soldiers underscores the risks they undertake in the line of duty, as they work to protect communities from insurgent threats.
Nation Mourns, Vows Justice
As the nation mourns the loss of its heroes, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent challenges in combating Naxalite extremism. The Chhattisgarh government, along with national authorities, has reiterated its commitment to eliminating the Naxalite menace through strategic and decisive action.
This incident is a stark call for continued vigilance, collaboration, and resilience in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the region.
