Five Ex-Naxals Among Eight Security Personnel Killed in Bijapur IED Blast
Chhattisgarh's Bijapur witnessed a fatal IED blast that claimed eight lives - five of the former Naxals who turned into security personnel. The two anti-Naxal forces, Bastar Fighters, and DRG, continue their struggle against extremism. This is their biggest Maoist attack in the last two years
Five Former Naxals Among Eight Killed in Bijapur IED Blast
On January 6, 2025, in a deadly Maoist attack in the sensitive Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, at least eight security personnel, including five former Naxalites who had gone on to join the police force, were killed. The ambush also resulted in the death of a civilian driver. This is the most effective strike against security forces in the state in two years.
Ex-Militants Martyred in Police-Constable Operation
Among those killed were head constable Budhram Korsa and district reserve guards Dumma Markam, Pandaru Ram, and Baman Sodhi and Bastar fighters Somdu Vetti, an ex-active Naxalites who have joined the police department after giving up their active role as Naxals, reported Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P.
Korsa and Sodhi were Bijapur locals, while the other three belonged to the neighboring Dantewada district. Changing faces of a militant to frontline security persons were seen in this case, thus recognizing the state's rehabilitative approach towards former Naxals.
The Attack
The attack took place near Ambeli village in the Kutru police station area, where Naxalites triggered an IED at a vehicle convoy carrying security personnel. Four of the dead belonged to the DRG, and the rest were Bastar Fighters members, both key components of Chhattisgarh police anti-Naxal operations.
DRG and Bastar Fighters
Dubbed the "sons of the soil," DRG personnel are selected from local youth and surrendered Naxals in the Bastar division. As an anti-Naxal frontline force, the DRG has played a pivotal role in counter LEFT-WING EXTREMISM that has haunted this region for more than four decades. The formation of DRG has been made in phases beginning in 2008, and now it is operational in seven districts of the Bastar region, which covers an area of almost 40,000 sq km.
The Bastar Fighters unit was constituted in 2022. They recruit local youths who are conversant with the culture, language, and terrain, thus building a stronger connection with tribal populations and improving the operational effectiveness.
Ongoing Conflict
The Bastar region saw the surrender of 792 Naxalites in 2024, which shows that the state has been able to deal with extremism. The Monday ambush reminds everyone of the fact that Maoist insurgents still pose a challenge to the security forces, and it is hard to keep peace and stability in the region.
Also read: 8 Jawans and 1 Civilian Killed in Naxal IED Blast in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
This tragic incident reminds everyone of the sacrifices made by the frontline people, most of whom are reformed Naxals who have dedicated themselves to restoring order in their homeland.