On Wednesday, security personnel belonging to the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in Chhattisgarh were on an anti-Maoist operation in Dantewada’s Aranpur area when they became the target of a Naxal attack. The personnel had received information about the presence of Naxalites in the area and were returning from the operation when their vehicle was targeted by an improvised explosive device (IED) attack by the Maoists.
Unfortunately, ten security personnel and one driver lost their lives in the blast, and they were identified as Joga Sodhi, Munna Ram Kadti, Santosh Tamo, Duglo Mandvi, Lakhmu Markam, Joga Kavasi, Hariram Mandavi, Raju Ram Kartam, Jayram Podiam, Jagdish Kavasi, and driver Dhaniram Yadav.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and said that the Naxals involved in the attack will not be spared. He assured that the fight against Naxals is in its last stage, and they will be dealt with severely.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences and spoke to the Chhattisgarh chief minister to take stock of the situation. He promised all possible help to deal with the situation.
The Chhattisgarh IG Sundraj held a meeting of top officials over the attack, and several teams have reached the blast spot. The area has been cordoned off for further investigations.