Two commandos of the CRPF’s CoBRA unit were injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. The incident occurred during an early-morning area domination operation in the Basaguda police station area. The injured personnel, Mridul Barman and Mohd Ishaq, were evacuated to the Basaguda CRPF camp for initial treatment before being referred to a hospital in Raipur. Both are reported to be out of danger.

The blast was caused by a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted along forest tracks, a tactic often used by Maoists to target security personnel during patrols. Civilians in the region have also been victims of such traps in the past. The 229th CRPF battalion and the 206th CoBRA unit, known for jungle warfare, were part of the operation when the mishap occurred.

Authorities continue to highlight the challenges of maintaining security in Bastar, which comprises seven districts, including Bijapur. Maoists frequently resort to such methods to resist operations in these remote, forested areas. Despite the risks, efforts to stabilize the region persist.