Chhattisgarh CM Pays Tribute to Fallen STF Jawan in Naxal Attack Aftermath

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai honored STF jawan Bharat Lal Sahu, who was killed in a July 17 Naxal attack. Two STF jawans died and four were injured in Bijapur. The state government vows to end Naxalism.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute to Special Task Force jawan Bharat Lal Sahu during a wreath-laying ceremony on Friday. Sahu lost his life in a Naxal attack on July 17 in the Tarrem area of Bijapur district. The Chief Minister also carried the jawan's mortal remains as a mark of respect.

Speaking on the attack, Sai stated, "The incident occurred on July 17. An IED blast in Bijapur killed two of our STF jawans and injured four others. The four injured soldiers are now out of danger." Sai assured that the state is committed to eradicating Naxalism, saying, "We have been fighting strongly against Naxalism. We will end Naxalism in the state soon."

The attack, which involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), resulted in the deaths of two security personnel and injuries to four others. According to police, the operation was initiated after receiving intelligence about the presence of Naxal forces. Teams from STF, DRG, CoBRA, and CRPF launched a joint operation in Bijapur, Dantewada, and Sukma districts on July 16, 2024.

The fallen jawans have been identified as Constable Bharat Sahu, from Raipur, and Constable Satyer Singh Kange, from Narayanpur. The security team was returning from a search operation when the incident occurred. Additional security forces have been deployed, and arrangements made for the injured.

On July 17, in a significant anti-Naxal operation, forces launched an offensive in Wandoli village on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, killing 12 Naxals and recovering a substantial cache of arms.

(With inputs from agencies.)