Operation Continues Despite Fatal Blast in Chhattisgarh Forest

At least four personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) were killed in an IED blast during an anti-Maoist operation in Kanker, officials said.

According to P Sundarraj, the incident occurred when a joint team of security forces was conducting an operation in the forest area along the Kanker–Narayanpur border to recover Maoist dumps containing explosives and weapons.

During the mission, security personnel successfully recovered a large cache of materials. However, while attempting to retrieve another dump, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, causing critical injuries to several personnel.

Inspector Sukhram Bhatti and constables Sanjay and Krishna Kumar died on the spot, while another constable, Parmanand, who was airlifted to Raipur for treatment, later succumbed to his injuries.

Officials stated that the operation was based on intelligence inputs, including information from surrendered Maoist cadres, and highlighted ongoing efforts to neutralise hidden explosives and ensure safety in the region.

Despite the tragic loss, security forces have affirmed that anti-Maoist operations will continue, with enhanced caution to prevent further casualties.