11 Jawans Injured In Multiple IED Blasts During Anti-Maoist Operation In Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur, Airlifted To

At least eleven security personnel were injured on Sunday after a series of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts during an anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.

The injured jawans were later airlifted to Raipur for medical treatment.
The incident took place near the Karegutta hills, close to the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, an area known for Maoist activity. Officials said the blasts occurred while security forces were conducting a search operation in the region.

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Eleven personnel were injured in the Bijapur IED blast and have been brought to Raipur for treatment. All the injured soldiers are undergoing medical care at Ramkrishna Care Hospital. On Sunday night, 12 of the injured personnel were airlifted to Raipur for… pic.twitter.com/0KePA24xr2

— IANS (@ians_india) January 26, 2026

Joint Operation Near Maoist Stronghold

According to officials, the operation was launched after intelligence inputs suggested the presence of Maoist cadres in the western part of Usur in Bijapur district. A joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the CRPF's elite CoBRA unit carried out the operation.

Security agencies believe Battalion 1 of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the armed wing of the banned CPI (Maoist), is hiding in the Karegutta hills. While it is not yet confirmed whether this unit was directly involved in the blasts, officials estimate that the group still has over 100 armed members in the area.

Evacuation Difficult Due to Tough Terrain

Out of the eleven injured personnel, ten belong to the DRG, while one is a sub-inspector from the CoBRA unit. Three jawans suffered serious leg injuries, and three others received splinter injuries to their eyes.

A senior police officer said evacuating the injured men was challenging due to the difficult forest terrain. However, all personnel were successfully rescued and flown by helicopter to Raipur. "All the injured are stable, conscious, and out of danger," the officer added.

Injured Personnel Identified

The injured CoBRA officer has been identified as G.D. Rudresh Singh, a sub-inspector from the 201 Battalion. Among the DRG personnel, Shailendra Ekka and Aiyatu Potam suffered leg injuries, while Sonam Kunjam, Ramesh Hemla, and Prakash Miccha sustained eye injuries due to splinters.

The remaining injured personnel are also undergoing treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

Anti-Maoist Operations Intensified Ahead of Republic Day

The incident occurred on the eve of Republic Day, as security forces have stepped up anti-Maoist operations across several districts of Chhattisgarh. Officials said that 20 Maoists have been killed so far this year.

In the last two years, 2024 and 2025, more than 500 Maoists were neutralised in various encounters, with Bijapur witnessing a significant number of these operations. Security forces continue to remain on high alert in the region.