During the operation, Naxals opened sudden fire. Despite being hit by three bullets, Sharma continued to lead his team and retaliated. He was rushed out of the forest, a green corridor was created for quick medical evacuation, and arrangements were made for airlifting, but doctors could not save him.
After the counter-fire led by Sharma, Naxals fled in haste, leaving behind their camp, ration, bags, and other materials.
A Long-Standing Naxal Hotspot
The Dongargarh–Balaghat forest belt has been a long-time safe zone for Naxals, used for regrouping and mounting surprise attacks on security forces. During the search operation on the night of November 18–19, Sharma’s team confronted the Naxals, leading to heavy gunfire.
Even after suffering severe injuries, Sharma kept guiding his team until the last moment.
Wedding Was Set for January 2026
Inspector Ashish Sharma hailed from Narsinghpur district. Earlier this year, after a successful operation in Balaghat that neutralized four Naxals, he was given an out-of-turn promotion to Inspector.
His wedding had been fixed for January 2026just two months away.
Key Achievements of Ashish Sharma
Sharma was known as one of the most effective officers in the Hawk Force. His operations had repeatedly weakened the Naxal network, making him a significant target for the Maoist groups.
Major encounters he led include:
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Killing Rupesh alias Hunga Dodi, a Naxal with a ₹14 lakh bounty, in the Harratola encounter
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Neutralizing ACMs Sunita and Sarita (combined bounty ₹28 lakh) in the Kadla encounter
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Eliminating three top Naxals—Asha, Rajneeta, and Sarita with a combined bounty of ₹62 lakh in the Ronda forest
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Awarded two gallantry medals, and honored by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav
Naxals May Have Targeted Him
Given his major successes, it is believed (though not officially confirmed) that Naxal units may have deliberately targeted him. He was struck by three bullets during the encounter.
Two years ago, in 2023, the same Bortalab region had witnessed the killing of three police personnel. After nearly two years of relative calm, the latest encounter indicates that Naxal activity in this belt is rising again.
Incident Occurred a Day After Top Naxal Commander Hidma Was Killed
The encounter took place just a day after the reported killing of notorious Naxal commander Madvi Hidma, considered one of the most violent faces of the Naxal movement across Bastar, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra borders.
Security agencies believe the Dongargarh–Balaghat encounter may have been a retaliatory show of strength by the Naxals.
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