RAIPUR, Chhattisgarh — January 30, 2024 : Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives, and 14 others sustained injuries during an encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. The incident occurred at a newly established police camp on the borders of Sukma-Bijapur districts in the Bastar region.
The clash unfolded at Tekalgudiyam village, the same location where 23 CRPF jawans had lost their lives in a Maoist ambush in 2021. This recent incident took place as CoBRA commandos were in the process of establishing a Forward Operating Base in Maoist-affected areas.
The 201st Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) was present at the scene when Maoists opened fire upon the newly set-up security camp. The encounter involved security personnel from CoBRA, the elite unit of CRPF, Special Task Force, and District Reserve Guards.
The security personnel retaliated, leading to an intense exchange of fire. The Maoists also triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) blast and used rocket-propelled grenades (BGL) against the security camp. As a result, one jawan sustained a bullet injury, and thirteen others suffered blast-related injuries with splinters. Fortunately, the condition of all injured personnel is reported to be stable.
Tekulgudam village has been the site of tragedy before, witnessing a deadly Maoist ambush in 2021 where 23 security personnel were killed and 33 injured. The region is known to be the native place of the feared Maoist commander Hidma.
Inspector General of Police for Bastar range, P Sundarraj, expressed determination to establish peace and progress in the region despite the significant loss of lives in the 2021 ambush. He emphasized that the police are resolute in eliminating the Naxal problem at its roots.
The mysterious figure of Hidma, the Maoist commander, continues to play a role in major attacks in Bastar. Carrying a bounty of Rs 45 lakh, Hidma is accused in more than 26 attacks, including the 2013 Jhiram Ghati massacre and the Burkapal ambush of April 2017. However, the security forces remain uncertain about his appearance, having only a bundle of photos of individuals who could be Hidma.
Hidma, also known as Deva, is believed to be around 53 years old, short in stature, and heads PLGA battalion No. 1 and the Maoists’ south sub-zonal command.
Ongoing Situation
As of now, the encounter in Tekulgudam is still ongoing, and further details are awaited. The security forces are determined to confront the Naxal challenge and ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the region.
In this tragic incident, seven jawans from CRPF’s CoBRA unit, eight personnel from District Reserve Guards, six from Special Task Force, and one from Bastariya battalion lost their lives. The ambush was meticulously planned, with rebels triggering blasts and opening indiscriminate fire from higher positions, resulting in significant casualties.
