Latest news with #Maoist-hit
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Guerrillas' Call Ambush Tactic Still Takes A Heavy Toll On Commandos
Nagpur: The 'call ambush' strategy unleashed by guerrillas has exacted a heavier toll on security forces than jungle encounters in Maoist-hit states and the death of additional superintendent of police Akash Rao Giripunje in a IED blast in Sukma earlier this week reignited concerns over the deadly tactic. This calculated guerrilla warfare method, which exploits routine administrative procedures, has prompted security forces to overhaul their standard operating procedures, yet the threat remains formidable, said a senior security official. The 'call ambush' follows a sinister pattern. First, Maoists orchestrate arson in a village, often coercing locals to contact police for a spot 'panchanama' — a formal investigation to document losses for compensation claims, which is integral to the probe. When security personnel respond, they are lured into a trap where Maoists execute a three-pronged strategy — rigging the area with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), detonating blasts to disorient the commandos, and unleashing indiscriminate gunfire. The killing of ASP Giripunje in Sukma exemplifies this tactic. Responding to a villager's call to probe an arson incident, Giripunje and his team were ambushed in a meticulously planned attack involving IEDs and gunfire, leaving no chance for retaliation. In Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, a hotbed of Maoist activity, 'call ambushes' have been a recurring menace. Commandos in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district have suffered heavy casualties from 'call ambushes.' In 2009, Maoists killed 51 security personnel in the district in different incidents, with a particularly devastating incident near Markegaon in February, where 15 cops were ambushed while heading to conduct a 'panchanama' following an arson attack. Prompted by villagers under Maoist coercion, the small contingent was unprepared for the assault, with Maoists rigging the area with explosives and opening fire, killing all the 15. Also in 2009, a similar 'call ambush' led to the killing of 16 security personnel, including around six women cops near Hattigota in Dhanora tehsil of north Gadchiroli. In the same year, the Maoists deployed similar strategies to wipe out 17 cops from Laheri outpost in south Gadchiroli. In 2019, another 'call ambush' in Jambhukheda, Kurkheda taluka, claimed 13 policemen, who were responding to a panchanama request. "We urge villagers in Gadchiroli to get the panchanama done through video calls and such methods or delay the process before sanitising the area, deploy bomb detection and disposal squads and move after opening roads which are safe for movements of troopers," said a senior official of Maharashtra police. In Chhattisgarh in April 2021, a similar ambush in Sukma district killed 22 security personnel when forces were lured to a Maoist-controlled area in the pretext of an operation. The Sukma attack in 2025 underscored Maoists' continued ability to exploit community-driven requests, turning routine duties into deadly traps. These incidents highlight Maoists' strategic exploitation of administrative protocols. Beyond Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, 'call ambushes' have plagued other states in the Red corridor. In Jharkhand's Latehar district, a 2021 ambush killed five policemen responding to a 'panchanama' call. In Odisha's Malkangiri district, multiple casualties were reported in 2023 due to similar traps. The tactic's success lies in exploiting the predictability of police responses, turning procedural duties into opportunities for attack. The repeated success of 'call ambushes' has forced security forces to adapt. In Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and other LWE states, police now rely on technology to minimise risks. Video calls, drone surveillance, and remote assessments have become integral to SOPs, allowing forces to verify situations without immediate exposure. In 2023, Chhattisgarh police began using drones extensively after a series of ambushes, a practice now standard across Maoist-hit states. The guerrilla arsenal also includes 'mobile warfare,' where insurgents from multiple locations converge at an ambush point, amplifying attack impact. This, combined with 'call ambushes,' represents two most perilous strategies faced by security forces. The convergence of fighters makes attacks unpredictable, while manipulation of villagers adds psychological warfare.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chhattisgarh deploys 7 young IPS officers to Maoist-affected districts
The Chhattisgarh government has deployed seven young 2021-batch IPS officers to Maoist-hit districts — Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Narayanpur — to provide them with a first hand experience of a conflict zone and infuse fresh blood in anti-naxal operations, officials said. Another IPS officer from the same batch has been deputed as ASP in the special task force (STF) for anti-Naxal operations in Durg district. The transfer orders came on Tuesday night, just two days after the death of additional SP Akash Rao Girepunje in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in Sukma district. The transfers of these officers mark a significant reinforcement in Maoist affected districts, with all officers being posted as Additional Superintendents of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations), a move aimed at enhancing both tactical execution and localised planning. A senior officer who is part of anti-Naxal operations said, 'This is a good decision, though it should have come earlier. These officers have already completed over 20 months as City Superintendent of Police (CSPs) and deploying them now in core Maoist areas brings sharper focus to command, execution and supervision.' 'Nearly 20 IPS officers are now posted in just four districts, a first for the state. These young, dynamic officers will bring a decisive edge to operations in tough terrain and the smaller jurisdictions allow for specialised, intensive anti-Maoist efforts. Secondly, the redeployment aligns with the Union home ministry's goal of ending Maoist influence in the core zones by March 2026,' said the officer. The IPS officers who have been transferred to the Bastar region are Rohit Kumar Shah (Sukma), Udit Pushkar (Dantewada), Ravindra Meena and Aman Jha (Bijapur), Ajay Kumar and Akshay Sabadra (Narayanpur) and Akash Shrishrimal (Bhanupratappur, Kanker). The eighth IPS officer, Akash Kumar Shukla, has been posted as ASP in Durg. Bijapur superintendent of police Jitendra Yadav described the move as both timely and tactical. 'This will definitely help. The young batches are highly motivated and hardworking. When they come to Maoist-affected districts, they are given responsibilities of anti-Naxal operations such as intelligence gathering and field operations.' Other officers also believe that Tech and TAC (Technology and Tactics) in anti-Naxal operations have evolved manifold and the young recruits will bring in new strategies. 'We already know that even jawans are actively using new Tech and TAC techniques like data standardisation, data analysis, communication encryption and decryption methodologies, probability theory and game theory techniques,' said a second senior police officer. Narayanpur superintendent of police Prabhat Kumar said more and more young IPS officers are now part of four to five day long operations in the forests. 'Young officers have brought and will further bring a paradigm shift in anti-Naxal operations as it is more of a game of heart and mind than of weapon,' Kumar said. Inspector General of Police of Bastar range, Sundarraj P, said, 'This is not just a reinforcement of manpower but a step toward shaping a more responsive and resilient policing ecosystem. These officers will complement the experienced leadership on ground and help build deeper trust with local communities.' Experts believe that the move will give support and planning for SPs of Bastar districts. Former Special Director General of Police RK Vij added, 'This strengthens the SP-level planning and execution ability. Field operations need real-time intelligence and decision-making, and this shift supports both.' The appointments come just days after a tragic IED explosion on June 10 near Dondra village in Sukma killed ASP Akash Rao Girepunje and left two other officers injured.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Top 5 news of the day: PM hails turnaround of Maoist-affected areas; Lalu expels son Tej Pratap and more
PM hails turnaround of Maoist-affected areas; Lalu expels son Tej Pratap and more NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted progress in Maoist-affected areas Katejhari in Maharashtra and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh, during his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'. Meanwhile, a US defence report stated that Pakistan views India as an existential threat and is continuing military modernisation efforts, including developing battlefield nuclear weapons. RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav , from the party and family for six years, citing actions inconsistent with party values. Here are the top stories for the evening: PM Modi lauds Katejhari and Dantewada's transformation in 'Mann Ki Baat' In the 122nd episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi praised the transformation of Maoist-hit Katejhari in Maharashtra and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh. He celebrated Katejhari's first-ever bus service, a symbol of normalcy in a once-violent region. PM Modi also applauded Dantewada's Class 10 and 12 board exam success, calling the 95% pass rate a testament to resilience. Read full story Lalu Yadav expels son Tej Pratap from RJD, distances him from family over social media post RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday expelled his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from the party for six years, citing "irresponsible behaviour" and "violation of family values." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo This came a day after Tej Pratap shared a post declaring his 12-year relationship with a woman, later claiming his Facebook was hacked. Lalu said Tej Pratap would have no further role in the party or family. Read full story Pakistan views India as an existential threat, claims US defence report Pakistan sees India as an "existential threat," while India treats Pakistan as an "ancillary security problem," said a new threat assessment by the US defence intelligence agency. The report warned that Pakistan is pursuing military modernisation, including battlefield nuclear weapons, to offset India's advantage. It added that Pakistan remains China's top military partner and source of technology. Read full story Russia launches biggest aerial assault on Ukraine, 12 killed Russia launched its largest aerial offensive since the war began, firing 367 missiles and drones across more than 30 Ukrainian cities, killing 12 people and injuring dozens. The attack, which coincided with Kyiv Day, hit residential areas and schools. Ukraine intercepted most drones, but 22 locations were still struck. Despite ongoing prisoner swaps, the front line remains active. Read full story Fans roar for MS Dhoni as CSK play their final match of the season MS Dhoni's presence continues to ignite passion like no other. As Chennai Super Kings wrapped up their IPL 2025 campaign, fans erupted in thunderous chants of 'Thala!' every time he appeared, unsure if this was his final outing. Speaking to Star Sports, Dhoni called the fan love a 'thank you' for his journey. 'It's an amazing feeling,' he said. With CSK out of the playoffs, the focus now shifts to the future but Dhoni's legacy remains timeless. Read full story
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
After 40 years in darkness, electricity returns to Chhattisgarh village affected by Maoists
After 40 years in darkness, electricity returns to Chhattisgarh village affected by Maoists NEW DELHI: After four long decades of darkness, Polampad village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district lit up with joy, as electricity returned to the remote, Maoist-hit region for the first time in 40 years. This turned into a historic moment for Polampad, where villagers celebrated the arrival of electricity with renewed hope. For years, the community lived without basic facilities, as Maoists destroyed power lines, roads, and cut off access to development. That changed in 2024, when a CRPF camp was established nearby, ensuring safety and enabling the government to restart long-pending infrastructure projects. "This will open doors to development," said Sukma SP Kiran Chavan. "After the CRPF moved in, electricity, roads, and other services were finally restored." "Electricity has returned after around 40 years. The CRPF set up their camp near the village in 2024 and restored electricity. In this area, a lot of villages had electricity, but the Naxalites destroyed the power connection to a lot of villages. They also destroyed roads. But after the CRPF camp was set up, electricity, roads and other facilities were restored," he added. "We got electricity yesterday and are very happy," a local resident told ANI.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
After 77 years of independence, state-run bus rolls out on 100km of Red Corridor
Nagpur: After a 78-year wait, the first state-run bus service rolled out on a 100km stretch from Katezari to Gadchiroli, which was once the booby-trapped artery of the Red Corridor , where neither govt nor combat boots had ever set foot. The landmark achievement by Gadchiroli police and Maharashtra State Transport Corporation , followed the dismantling of the 'janata sarkar' or guerrilla rule with the decimation of last standing 'dalams' here. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis used his X handle to hail the occasion, stating it would augur well for the student community, who suffered in isolation without transport facility. He also underscored development as a harbinger of police and citizen rapport. The bus service from April 26 is expected to benefit 12 surrounding villages, providing easier access to tehsil and district headquarters and was welcomed with fanfare by local tribals. Govt officials say the service, which is clocking high footfall, will significantly ease daily struggles of residents, particularly students, who will now have better access to educational opportunities. The service is also anticipated to strengthen trust with police and administration and prevent Naxalism from striking again, said experts. SP Gadchiroli Neelotpal stated four area committees — Korchi, Kasansoor, Chatgaon and Tippagarh — and two dalams (combining areas committees) of north Gadchiroli were wiped out in July last year after 12 Maoists were neutralized. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo "Katezhari had been a problem area for years until the guerrillas were eliminated. Now, commando domination over the area and goodwill generated among villages is a giant step in normalcy in the once insurgency-ridden district," said the SP. Sources stated Katezhari was once the pivot of Maoist operations. The former central committee member Milind Teltumbde, who was neutralized in 2021 at Mardintola encounter, held sway here. After his death, the last few guerrilla formations were decimated by commandos. The initiative to start the bus service marks a significant milestone in tribal-dominated and Maoist-hit Gadchiroli district, where residents relied on foot travel even to ferry the sick to hospitals. The bus service was warmly welcomed by residents, who celebrated its arrival with music and festivities, said a local resident. The inauguration ceremony was led by sub-divisional police officer, Jagdish Pande, who also addressed villagers, offering guidance and encouragement. Inspector Ajay Bhosale, in-charge of Katezhari Police Station, flagged off the bus, officially setting it on its route. On January 1, 2025, a bus service from Gatta to Gardewada and further to Wangeturi was introduced. Over the past five years, under police protection, 435km of roads, 18 roads and 59 bridges have been constructed in the district's remote areas, transforming the lives of residents.
