Naxal ambush kills 12 CRPF jawans in Chhattisgarh

Security personnel were providing security cover for road work when they were ambushed

Celebration of Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) resounding victory in Uttar Pradesh turned into a low key affair in party-ruled Chhattisgarh, as Naxalites laid a deadly ambush and killed 12 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in restive Sukma district on Saturday morning.

Three jawans were injured in the incident that took place near Kottacheru under Bhejji police station — about 450 kms from Raipur — at around 9:30 am. The security personnel from the 219th battalion of the CRPF were engaged in providing security cover for the road construction project in the area.

The state government is constructing a road between Dornapal and Jagargunda across a patch of 58 km. The rebels had been opposing road projects fearing it would facilitate the movement of forces in the pockets that they claimed to be their “liberated zone”.

A team of 120 jawans was on a road security mission when they walked into the ambush laid by the rebels. As the jawans came in the range, Naxalites, who had taken already position, opened indiscriminate fire. The troop immediately took position and retaliated but lost 11 jawans in the first hit of bullets from the rebels. One jawan succumbed while on his way back. After a brief gunbattle, Naxalites retreated into the forests. 

Bastar’s acting Inspector General of Police P Sunderraj said reinforcement was rushed from the nearby camps to the spot. The security personnel evacuated the injured personnel and bodies. The injured were airlifted and admitted in Raipur. 

As many as 11 camps had been located between Dornapal and Jagargunda. 

The intelligence agencies fearing such deadly attack as the Naxalites had been in a backfoot and failed to inflict major strike in last one-and-a-half years. The rebels as part of their modus operandi wreak major attack to show their presence.

The time also coincides as the “tactical counter offensive campaign (TCOC)” observed by the rebels is also underway. During summer when long grasses and bushes dry, the rebels launch the campaign as it provides clear visual of force movement. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had condemned the incident and talked to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who would be visiting the spot. 

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh termed the incident as “cowardly act” and said the extremists were frustrated with development of road network in the region.