Four CRPF Jawans Martyred in IED Blast on Chhattisgarh's Kanker-Narayanpur Border

Security forces recover Naxal dump during operation triggered by inputs from surrendered militants; blast occurs while defusing device in Koroskoda jungle.

Four personnel of the security forces lost their lives in an IED explosion on Saturday in the dense forests along the Kanker-Narayanpur border in Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred during a search operation based on specific intelligence provided by Naxals who had surrendered earlier. 

On Sunday morning, the martyrs were given a solemn guard of honour in Narayanpur and Kanker districts amid heavy hearts. Senior officials, including Bastar Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj, elected representatives, police personnel, and grieving family members attended the ceremonies. The atmosphere was sombre as tears flowed freely among the kin. After the tributes, the mortal remains were sent to the jawans' native villages for last rites.

Operation Based on Surrendered Naxal Inputs

According to officials, the force had moved into the Koroskoda jungle in the Chhote Bethiya police station area early Saturday morning following leads from recently surrendered Naxals. The region has seen sustained operations aimed at recovering IEDs planted by Maoists over the years.

While the team was attempting to defuse an IED, the device exploded with full force. Three jawans died on the spot due to severe injuries. The fourth, identified as Parmanand Korram, was critically wounded and airlifted to Raipur for advanced treatment. He succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital, officials confirmed.

Bastar IG P. Sundarraj, while confirming the details, said the operation was part of an ongoing drive against residual Naxal infrastructure. “We have been carrying out IED recovery missions based on inputs from surrendered cadres for the past few months. A Naxal dump was also recovered during this search,” he added.

Growing Focus on IED Threat

Security sources familiar with anti-Naxal operations in Bastar region noted that IEDs left behind by retreating Maoists continue to pose a significant challenge. Even as the number of active Naxals has declined due to sustained pressure and surrenders, these hidden explosive devices remain a lethal legacy of the insurgency. Forces have intensified defusing and area sanitisation efforts in recent times.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by jawans in what is often described as a long-drawn battle against Left Wing Extremism. Small teams operating in thick jungles and difficult terrain frequently encounter such threats during cordon-and-search actions.

Political Reactions Pour In

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel reacted sharply to the incident. In a post on X, he targeted the BJP government at the Centre and in the state, saying mere political slogans about ending Naxalism would not suffice. 

“Naxals have left behind remnants of terror. We also need a campaign to free ourselves from these. This fight is collective. The only option is the complete elimination of anti-democratic forces,” Baghel stated.

The Congress leader’s remarks come at a time when the state government has been claiming significant progress in curbing Naxal violence through coordinated security and development initiatives.

Background of the Area

The Kanker-Narayanpur belt has historically been part of the Maoist-affected Bastar division. While large-scale encounters have reduced and several top leaders have either been neutralised or surrendered, sporadic incidents involving IEDs continue to claim lives. Local residents often express a mix of relief at declining Naxal dominance and anxiety over remaining explosive hazards that affect both security personnel and civilians.

Officials maintained that the current phase of operations draws heavily from intelligence gathered from those who have laid down arms. These inputs have reportedly helped in mapping old dumping grounds and supply routes used by the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Families Await Answers, Forces Vow to Continue

As the bodies reached their hometowns, families of the fallen jawans grappled with sudden loss. Many of the personnel hailed from modest backgrounds and had been serving in specialised units deployed for anti-Naxal duties.

Senior police and CRPF officers have assured a thorough review of the sequence of events to further refine standard operating procedures for IED handling in hostile terrain. Operations in the region are expected to continue with heightened caution.

The martyrdom of the four jawans adds to the long list of sacrifices made by security forces in Chhattisgarh’s fight against Naxalism. While surrenders and developmental works signal a gradual shift, incidents like Saturday’s blast serve as grim reminders of the challenges that persist on the ground.