Two STF Personnel Injured In IED Blast During Anti-Maoist Operation In Karregutta Hills

Two Special Task Force (STF) personnel were seriously injured on Monday during an intense combing operation in the Karregutta hills, located along the Telangana–Chhattisgarh border. The incident occurred when a pressure-triggered improvised explosive device (IED), suspected to have been planted by Maoist insurgents, detonated as the team advanced through a dense forest trail.

The injured soldiers, identified as Thansingh and Amit Pandey, sustained severe injuries to their limbs due to the blast. Both were quickly evacuated from the field to a nearby security camp and subsequently airlifted to Bijapur district hospital for urgent medical attention. Officials have confirmed that the two are in stable condition.

On May 4, Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade (32) of the CRPF’s 204 CoBRA battalion sustained critical injuries to his left leg in an IED explosion while trying to rescue a wounded jawan, reported PTI. Despite receiving medical treatment, Borade ultimately lost his left leg due to the severity of the injury.

'Mission Sankalp' operation

The 'Mission Sankalp' operation in Karregutta region has now entered its 14th day, with over 4,000 personnel from the STF, CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), and DRG (District Reserve Guard) involved in flushing out Naxal elements from what has historically been a Maoist stronghold.

Security forces, backed by aerial surveillance and ground reconnaissance teams, have intensified their efforts in the region, which was reportedly considered as a long-served sanctuary for Maoist operations. The Karregutta hills have remained a focal point due to their strategic location and difficult terrain, often exploited by insurgents to evade security sweeps.

Nearly 120 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been recovered so far from the hilly region, which is described as being heavily mined and containing several fortified bunker-style hideouts.

The operation, spearheaded by the CRPF, has now entered its final phase. Senior Naxal leaders are believed to be hiding within the mountainous terrain. According to a senior official overseeing the mission, the operation is expected to reach a conclusive end shortly.

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