11 Security Personnel Injured in IED Blasts in Chhattisgarh

January 26, 2026

At least eleven security personnel were injured on Sunday when improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated during a major anti‑Naxal operation in the Karregutta Hills forest area of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. The blasts occurred as security forces were conducting a coordinated search and cordon mission against suspected Naxal insurgents in the dense forested terrain of the Bastar region.

Details of the Blast and Casualties

According to official sources, the explosions resulted from six pressure‑activated IEDs planted by Maoist cadres to target counter‑insurgency forces. Of the injured personnel:

• Ten belong to the District Reserve Guard (DRG) a specialized state police unit focused on Naxal operations.

• One is from the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit of the CRPF.

The injured CoBRA officer has been identified as Sub‑Inspector Rudresh Singh of the 210th battalion. Reports say several personnel suffered leg injuries and eye splinter injuries from the explosions. All injured have been admitted to a hospital in Raipur for urgent treatment, where their condition is being monitored.

Context — Escalating Anti‑Naxal Efforts

Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region has long been a stronghold of Maoist insurgency, marking it one of India’s most persistent internal security challenges. Security forces — comprising state police, DRG, CRPF, and Special Task Forces — have been conducting intensified anti‑Naxal operations as part of a broader push to weaken the insurgents ahead of the government’s March 2026 deadline to curb Left‑wing extremism.

Although the overall number of districts affected by Naxalite activity has reportedly declined in recent years, Bastar remains a hotspot for ambushes, IED attacks, and guerrilla actions against security forces.

Operational Challenges and Insurgent Tactics

IEDs are a favoured weapon of Maoist insurgents due to their ease of deployment and high lethality against moving patrols in dense forest and hilly terrain. These devices have caused numerous casualties among security personnel in recent years and continue to be a key threat during counter‑insurgency operations.

In November last year, security forces had established a long‑term camp in the region due to its strategic significance and reported presence of senior Naxal commanders. The terrain’s dense cover and rugged hills complicate operations and make detection of hidden explosives difficult.

Government Response and Reinforcements

Following the blasts, state police and federal agencies reiterated their commitment to eliminating Maoist presence and protecting the lives of officers deployed in Bastar. Enhanced patrols, aerial reconnaissance, and improved intelligence coordination are being deployed to anticipate and neutralise such threats before they can inflict harm.

Officials also emphasised that despite the injuries, the overall anti‑Naxal campaign has seen significant successes, including reduction in active insurgent numbers and surrender of cadres, reflecting sustained pressure on Maoist networks.

Impact and Local Security Situation

The use of IEDs underscores the ongoing security challenge in central India’s insurgency‑hit zones. While the injured personnel continue to receive medical care, authorities have reiterated that operations will persist to dismantle insurgent infrastructure and restore safe conditions for local communities and security forces alike.