Tragedy in Chhattisgarh: Deadliest Naxal Ambush in Recent History Claims 9 Lives

Chattisgarh - In a grim reminder of the ongoing Naxal insurgency, Chhattisgarh witnessed one of its deadliest attacks in recent years. On January 6, 2025, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast orchestrated by Maoist rebels killed eight District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and their civilian driver in Bijapur district. This devastating ambush occurred near Ambeli village under Kutru police station limits as the DRG team was returning from a counter-Naxalite operation. 

The DRG, a specialized unit of the Chhattisgarh Police, is known for its efficiency in tackling Naxalite activities. Tragically, their expertise made them a prime target for these extremist groups. The explosion, which obliterated their vehicle, highlights the continued challenge of Naxal violence in India’s Red Corridor.

A Calculated Attack 

Sources indicate that the IED was planted on a strategically vulnerable route, suggesting meticulous planning by the insurgents. This attack echoes the April 2023 Dantewada massacre, where 10 DRG personnel and a driver lost their lives in a similar blast. The chilling parallels between the two incidents underline the persistent threat posed by Naxalites, who leverage guerrilla tactics to sustain their decades-long insurgency. 

The Human Toll  

Behind the statistics lies immense human suffering. Families of the fallen jawans are left grappling with unbearable loss as the state mourns its heroes. The civilian driver, often overlooked in such narratives, was an unsung contributor to the operation. His death serves as a reminder of how civilians are drawn into this violent conflict.

This attack is not just a statistic—it is a stark reminder of the cost of complacency in the fight against insurgency.