Did a Jawan Lose His Life in an IED Blast During Anti-Maoist Operations in Chhattisgarh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dinesh Nag was martyred in an IED blast during an operation.
- Three other personnel were injured but are now stable.
- The incident occurred in the Indravati National Park, a Maoist stronghold.
- Security forces have neutralized a significant number of Maoists this year.
- The operation against Maoists continues to face challenges.
Raipur, Aug 18 (NationPress) A member of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was tragically martyred and three others sustained injuries in a significant IED explosion orchestrated by Maoists amidst an anti-Naxal operation in the Indravati National Park region of Bijapur district on Monday.
The fallen jawan, Dinesh Nag, hailed from Bijapur and had enlisted in the DRG back in 2017 through direct recruitment, as reported by police officials.
He leaves behind a pregnant wife and their child. His remains were transported to the Bijapur District Hospital, where fellow officers and local residents came to pay their last respects.
As stated by IG Bastar P. Sundarraj, the DRG team was on a foot patrol in the thick forests close to Chilla Marka village when Nag accidentally stepped on a pressure-triggered IED laid by Maoists.
The blast resulted in his immediate death and injured three other personnel—Bharat Dheer, Payku Hemla, and Mundru Kawasi. They received initial medical assistance and are now being airlifted to Raipur for more advanced treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable and non-critical.
Nag's body was taken to Bijapur District Hospital, where tributes were offered by fellow officers and local dignitaries.
Indravati National Park, the site of Monday's tragic incident, continues to be one of the most dangerous areas within the Bastar division.
This year alone, security forces have neutralized at least 44 Maoists in the park, which remains a key stronghold for insurgents due to its dense woods and limited state presence.
This incident is part of a continuing series of violent confrontations in this insurgent-affected region.
Only days before, on August 13, security forces successfully neutralized two notable Maoist leaders—Vijay Reddy and Lokesh Salame—in a combined operation in the Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki district.
Reddy, a senior member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, had a bounty of Rs 90 lakh, while Salame, the secretary of the Rajnandgaon-Kanker Border Division, was wanted with a bounty of Rs 26 lakh.
The coordinated effort, involving the Chhattisgarh Police, DRG, and the 27th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, has been recognized as a significant setback for Maoist activities in the Dandakaranya area and along the Rajnandgaon-Kanker border.
Weapons and materials associated with the Maoists were confiscated from the scene, and authorities believe the elimination of Reddy and Salame has considerably weakened the insurgent network.