Chhattisgarh: CoBRA commando, Maoist killed in Sukma district

2 more commandos were injured in the encounter in Tumrel village area of the district. The identification of the deceased Maoist is yet to be done

Published on: May 22, 2025, 19:03:26 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Narayanpur: A commando of the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) and a suspected Maoist were killed during an anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Thursday, police said.

The deceased commando of the CoBRA unit was identified as Mehul Solanki. (Representative file photo)

According to the police, two more commandos were injured in the encounter in Tumrel village area of the district. The identification of the deceased Maoist is yet to be done. Meanwhile, a search operation is underway.

The deceased commando was identified as Mehul Solanki. “An IAF (Indian Air Force) helicopter has been pressed into service to evacuate the injured,” an officer said.

Also Read: Terms of Trade: How “spring thunder” became a doomed revolution in India

The CoBRA is an elite unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

“The operation is being led by the 210th battalion of CRPF’s CoBRA and has troops from Chhattisgarh Police, DRG (district reserve guard) and STF (special task force) following an intel of Maoists camping in the jungle,” a statement issued by the Sukma police said.

“The encounter started and later after the firing stopped body of Maoist was recovered from the spot. Three CoBRA commandos were sustained bullet injuries and later one died,” the statement added.

Also Read: Basavaraju, backbone of Maoist movement, killed in Bastar Op: Amit Shah

This follows the gunning down of 27 Maoists, including Communist Party of India (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju, in an encounter with security forces in the Narayanpur forests of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday morning.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.