Tragic IED Blast Claims Lives of Four Security Personnel in Chhattisgarh
A devastating IED explosion in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region has led to the deaths of four security personnel during a routine operation targeting Maoist hideouts. The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating Maoist activities in the area. Inspector General Sundar Raj P reported that significant recoveries of IEDs and weapons have been made in recent months, reflecting the ongoing efforts to dismantle Maoist operations. This tragic event underscores the risks involved in such operations and the sacrifices made by security personnel in their duty to maintain peace and security.
| May 2, 2026, 18:55 IST
IED Explosion in Bastar Region
On Saturday, the Chhattisgarh police reported a tragic incident in which four security personnel lost their lives due to an improvised explosive device (IED) blast during a routine operation aimed at uncovering Maoist hideouts in the Bastar division. The incident occurred in the forest area of Adnar, located on the border between Narayanpur and Kanker districts. Inspector General of Bastar Range, Sundar Raj P, informed that in recent years, particularly in 2025 and 2026, a significant number of Maoist operatives have renounced violence and sought rehabilitation. Based on the information provided by these individuals and police intelligence, security forces have been consistently recovering IEDs, weapons, ammunition, and other materials from Maoist locations. This particular incident took place when a team from the Kanker District Reserve Guard (DRG) was deployed to recover a Maoist hideout on May 2.
Details of the Incident
Today, our team ventured into the forest area bordering Narayanpur and Kanker districts to uncover a secret hideout concealed by Maoists. During this operation, a substantial amount of electronic equipment previously hidden by the Maoists was recovered. Unfortunately, an explosion occurred while attempting to uncover another hideout. Sundar Raj confirmed, "An IED detonated, resulting in the loss of four personnel's lives." The deceased included Inspector Sukhram Bhatti, along with three constables—Parmanand Koram, Krishan Kumar, and Sanjay Garhpale—who were severely injured. Inspector Bhatti, Sanjay, and Krishan succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The fourth constable, Parmanand, was airlifted to Raipur but tragically passed away during treatment. He expressed, "We have sadly lost four of our comrades in today's incident."
Ongoing Anti-Maoist Operations
Sundar Raj P further elaborated that efforts to combat Maoist activities have been ongoing in Bastar for several months, focusing on the recovery of hidden explosive devices (IEDs) and explosives. He noted that this initiative has been active in the Bastar division for the past seven to eight months. As a result of these operations, a total of 1,200 IEDs have been recovered, with 900 in 2025 and 300 so far in 2026. Additionally, over 300 weapons, including AK-47s, LMGs, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and BGL launchers, have also been seized.