Two ITBP Jawans Killed, Two Others Injured in Naxal Attack in Chhattisgarh
In a tragic incident on Saturday, two jawans from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) lost their lives due to an IED blast while returning from an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh. The explosion occurred in the Narayanpur district, specifically near Kodlier village, as the team was making its way back from a search operation in the Abujhmad area.
The deceased jawans, both aged 36, were identified as Amar Panwar from Satara, Maharashtra, and K. Rajesh from Kadappa, Andhra Pradesh. According to Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar, they were part of the 53rd Battalion of the ITBP.
A joint team consisting of ITBP, the Border Security Force (BSF), and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) had initiated the operation from Orchha, Mohndi, and Irkbhatti. Around 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, while they were returning, the IED explosion occurred in the forested area, resulting in the tragic deaths of the two jawans and injuries to two personnel from the Narayanpur District Police, whose conditions are currently stable.
This incident follows a series of similar attacks in the region. In July, two jawans were killed, and four others were injured due to an IED blast in Bijapur district when security forces were returning from an operation. In June, two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in another IED attack while on routine patrol.
Chhattisgarh has recorded the highest number of Naxalite fatalities in recent times, with over 140 Naxals reportedly killed by security forces in the first half of 2024 alone. The community continues to grapple with concerns regarding security and the ongoing threat posed by Naxal activities.