A tragic IED attack on a convoy of security personnel in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday resulted in the deaths of eight District Reserve Guard (DRG) policemen and a driver. This marks one of the deadliest attacks on security forces since April 2023, highlighting the continued threat of Naxalite insurgency in the region.

Key Details:

  • Attack: The IED blast occurred on the Bedre Kutru road, near Ambreli village, targeting a convoy returning from a successful operation in Abujhmad, where five Naxals were killed.
  • Casualties: The attack left eight policemen and one driver dead, with body parts scattered across the road and a deep crater marking the spot of the explosion.
  • Investigation: Despite following standard operating procedures (SOPs), which included a road-opening party (ROP) and demining exercises, the attack succeeded, possibly due to explosives buried deeper in the ground than typically checked.
  • Context: The attack comes after a year of significant Naxal casualties and arrests, with the Maoists now retaliating against mounting pressure. The area, controlled by the PLGA Battalion 1 and feared commander Hidma, saw an opportunity for a counterstrike.

Analysis:

While SOPs were largely followed, the decision to use a private vehicle, rather than traveling on foot or by bike, may have contributed to the disaster, though fatigue after a five-day operation played a role. Experts suggest that more advanced equipment to detect deeply buried explosives might be necessary to prevent such attacks in the future.

Way Forward:

With the Naxals regrouping and bolstered by the latest attack, authorities are considering better intelligence-gathering and procuring more sophisticated equipment to detect underground explosives. This incident underscores the continuing challenges in eliminating Naxalism, despite gains made in previous years.