Bhopal/Rajnandgaon, November 20, 2025 – Inspector Ashish Sharma, a distinguished officer of the Madhya Pradesh Police’s elite anti-Naxal unit known as the Hawk Force, was killed in action during a joint security operation against Maoist insurgents in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district on November 19, 2025.
The encounter occurred early Wednesday morning in the Kurzher-Bortalab region near the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of a heavily armed Maoist group, a combined team comprising personnel from the Madhya Pradesh Hawk Force, Chhattisgarh Police, and Maharashtra commandos launched the operation. Inspector Sharma, leading from the front, sustained fatal bullet injuries to his thigh and abdomen during intense crossfire. Despite immediate medical efforts, including attempts to airlift him for advanced treatment, he succumbed to his wounds.
Aged approximately 40 and hailing from Bohani village in Narsinghpur district, Inspector Sharma was the son of a farmer. He had earned widespread respect within the force for his exceptional bravery, having been awarded gallantry medals on two occasions for his role in high-risk anti-Maoist operations. Colleagues described him as one of the unit’s most capable and fearless leaders, often entrusted with the most challenging assignments in Naxal-affected areas.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed profound grief, stating, “Inspector Ashish Sharma made the supreme sacrifice while combating Naxals. I pay my humble tributes to this brave son of the soil and extend condolences to his bereaved family.” Senior police officials, including Special Director General (Naxal Operations) Pankaj Srivastva, highlighted the significant loss to the Hawk Force, emphasising Sharma’s dedication to protecting vulnerable communities in Maoist strongholds.
The operation underscores the ongoing efforts by security forces to counter left-wing extremism in central India’s forested regions. While the encounter resulted in the recovery of weapons and materials from the site, details on Maoist casualties remain under verification.
Inspector Sharma’s martyrdom has evoked widespread tributes across social media and official channels, with many underscoring the need for greater recognition of security personnel who risk their lives in internal security operations. He was reportedly months away from his wedding, adding a poignant personal dimension to the nation’s loss.
The Hawk Force, established to conduct specialised counter-insurgency missions, continues to play a critical role in anti-Naxal campaigns alongside central paramilitary units.
