Two security personnel injured in IED blast during anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur forests

Two security personnel were seriously injured on Sunday when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated during a joint counter-insurgency operation in the dense Karregutta forests along the Bijapur–Dantewada border. The incident once again underlined the persistent threat posed by landmines in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-affected interiors, despite sustained security operations in the region.

The incident occurred early in the morning when a combined team of district police forces was conducting a search operation following specific intelligence inputs about Maoist movement in the area. During the operation, a pressure-triggered IED planted along a forest trail exploded, leaving both personnel with severe injuries to their lower limbs.

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Police officials said one of the injured personnel belongs to the Dantewada district police, while the other is from the Bijapur force. Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai confirmed the blast and said that immediate medical assistance was provided at the site. Given the difficult terrain and security sensitivities, arrangements were made to evacuate the injured personnel by helicopter.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said intensive efforts are underway to detect and neutralise explosive devices across the region. “IED detection drives are being carried out continuously, including with inputs from surrendered Maoists. In 2025 alone, a record 875 IEDs were recovered. Our objective is to make Bastar free of such threats,” he said.

The injured personnel are being shifted to Raipur for advanced treatment at empanelled private hospitals under the supervision of the state government. Officials said their condition remains stable but critical.

Despite sustained anti-Maoist operations and a significant number of surrenders—1,562 Maoists reportedly laid down arms in 2025—security agencies acknowledge that large quantities of explosives remain buried across forested zones. Notably, surrendered cadres have rarely led forces to major IED stockpiles, leaving vast tracts vulnerable.

Senior Bastar-based journalist Rajat Vajpayee cautioned that the continued presence of unexploded devices poses a grave risk not only to security forces but also to civilians who depend on forest routes for their daily livelihood. While the government has reiterated its commitment to restoring lasting peace in Bastar, the incident underscores the need for accelerated demining operations and a more comprehensive strategy to eliminate the IED menace from the region’s hinterland.