Bijapur Naxal Attack: 9 Jawans Dead in IED Blast in Chhattisgarh, Attack Targets Police Vehicle

Bijapur Naxal Attack: In a tragic incident on Monday, a group of Naxalites detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), targeting a vehicle carrying police personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. The blast, which occurred on the Bedre-Kutru Road, claimed the lives of at least nine individuals, including eight police personnel and the vehicle’s driver.

Details of the Incident

The vehicle, which was carrying approximately 20 soldiers, was returning from an anti-Naxal operation conducted the previous day. The powerful explosion resulted in significant casualties, with police confirming that all nine deceased were victims of the blast.

Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Condemns Attack

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao condemned the Naxal attack, calling it a "cowardly act" meant to disrupt ongoing anti-Naxal operations. He assured the public that the sacrifices of the security personnel would not go in vain. "The government will intensify its actions against Naxalism. We will neither fear nor bow down, and strict action will continue," Sao stated.

Recent Anti-Naxal Operations in the Region

The attack follows a series of encounters between security forces and Naxalites in the region. On Saturday, five Naxalites were killed during a gunfight in the South Abujmarh forest along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. The operation, led by the Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) teams, also resulted in the death of a DRG head constable.

Earlier, on Friday, security forces killed three Naxalites in an encounter in Kandeshar village, Gariaband district, recovering weapons from the site.

Escalation of Violence

The recent surge in violence highlights the ongoing struggle between security forces and Naxal groups in Chhattisgarh. Despite the loss of lives, officials remain committed to intensifying their efforts to eradicate Naxalism in the region. Security has been heightened, and further operations are expected in the coming days.