Nine Indian Security Personnel Killed in Maoist Ambush in Chhattisgarh

BIJAPUR, Chhattisgarh: A deadly Maoist ambush in Bijapur district claimed the lives of nine Indian security personnel, including eight District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans and a driver. The incident occurred when their vehicle was struck by a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) while returning from an anti-Maoist operation.

Earlier in the day, security forces had carried out a successful operation in the Abujhmad region, where they killed five Maoist rebels, including two women. They also recovered a cache of weapons, including AK-47s and self-loading rifles, from the rebels.

The IED blast, believed to have been executed using the “foxhole” technique, left a massive crater at the blast site. This technique involves burying explosives in concealed holes, making them hard to detect during mine-clearing operations.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai condemned the attack as “heinous” and “tragic.” He paid tribute to the fallen personnel and assured their families of full support. He reiterated the government’s determination to eradicate Naxalism and endorsed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s target of eliminating Maoism from India by March 2026.

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Inspector General of Police, Bastar, Sundarraj Pattilingam, confirmed the attack and stated that a detailed investigation into the blast would follow. Concerns have been raised about a potential violation of standard operating procedures, as DRG personnel typically travel on foot or by motorbike in such terrain, while the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle in this case may have increased their vulnerability.