In a daring anti-Naxal operation deep in the volatile KGH Hills near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was gravely injured on May 4, 2025, while evacuating a wounded jawan under hostile and treacherous conditions. The elite 204 CoBRA Battalion, tasked with the mission, had been targeting a heavily fortified Naxal hideout notorious for its dense forest cover and widespread use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
During the intense operation, one jawan suffered injuries due to an IED blast. Without hesitation, Borade took the lead in rescuing his comrade, navigating the booby-trapped terrain to carry him to safety. In the process, Borade stepped on an IED himself, sustaining catastrophic injuries to his left leg. He was immediately airlifted to Raipur and later transferred to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. Doctors were forced to amputate his leg to save his life, and he is now in stable condition under close observation.
Borade’s selfless act of valor has drawn national praise, highlighting the extraordinary risks and sacrifices undertaken by India’s security forces in combating Left-Wing Extremism. His actions exemplify the discipline, leadership, and courage demanded of personnel serving in conflict zones where every step could prove fatal.
The 204 CoBRA Battalion, a specialized unit of the CRPF, has long spearheaded anti-insurgency efforts across India’s Red Corridor. Trained in guerrilla warfare, jungle combat, and counterinsurgency tactics, the battalion plays a critical role in dismantling Maoist infrastructure in some of the country’s most hostile terrains. The KGH Hills remain a focal point of ongoing operations, as the region is suspected to shelter several senior Naxal leaders.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the bravery of the CRPF forces and confirmed that the state government will provide full support for Borade’s recovery and rehabilitation. “We salute the indomitable courage of our security forces and are committed to ensuring the well-being of our brave warriors,” he stated.
Though Naxal-related violence has significantly declined—dropping 77% in 2022 compared to a decade earlier—pockets of resistance remain, especially in remote areas like those surrounding the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The central government, under Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has pledged to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism in the coming years, but incidents like this highlight the persistent threat and the heavy cost borne by those on the front lines.
Assistant Commandant Borade’s heroism stands as a poignant reminder of the daily risks faced by India’s paramilitary personnel and their unwavering resolve to protect the nation—even at the highest personal cost.
