IED Blast In Bijapur: 2 Security Forces Killed, 4 Injured In Naxal Assault

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by naxals in Bijapur district killed two security personnel, Bastar Police said on Thursday.

"On receiving intelligence about the presence of Naxal of Darbha Division, West Bastar Division and Military Company No. 2 in the border area between Bijapur, Dantewada and Sukma, teams of STF, DRG, CoBRA, and CRPF from the said districts went on in a joint operation on July 16, 2024," news agency ANI quoted police as saying.

The deceased have been identified as Constable Bharat Sahu, a resident of Raipur, and Constable Satyer Singh Kange, a resident of Narayanpur. They were part of an anti-naxal operation in the district and returning from the search operation when the incident happened.

"On July 17, 2024, two STF jawans were killed and four jawans were injured due to an IED blast by a naxal in the Tarrem area of Bijapur district," the police added.
However, additional security forces have been sent to the said area while making necessary arrangements for the proper treatment of the injured STF jawans.

On Wednesday, security forces carried out a major anti-Naxal operation in Wandoli Village on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, resulting in the deaths of 12 Naxals and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms.

The operation began around 10 am, involving seven C60 parties led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operations). It was based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of 12-15 Naxals in the area.

During the area search, security forces recovered 12 bodies of Naxals, including DVCM Laxman Atram, also known as Vishal Atram, the in-charge of the Tipagad Dalam. The operation also yielded a significant haul of weapons, including seven automatic firearms: three AK-47 rifles, two INSAS rifles, one carbine, and one self-loading rifle (SLR).

One police sub-inspector (PSI) of the C60 unit and one jawan sustained bullet injuries during the encounter. Both have been evacuated to Nagpur and are reported to be out of danger.