In a tragic yet heroic incident, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan made the ultimate sacrifice during an intense anti-Maoist operation in the Usur region of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. The operation, conducted on Thursday, May 22, 2025, saw a fierce encounter between security forces and Naxalites, resulting in the martyrdom of Constable Solanki Mehul Bhai Nandalal from the CRPF’s elite 210 CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) battalion.
According to official reports, the encounter took place as part of an ongoing anti-Maoist campaign in the conflict-ridden Bastar division, of which Bijapur is a key area. Constable Solanki displayed unparalleled bravery and determination while confronting the insurgents, ultimately laying down his life in the line of duty. The CRPF hailed his courage, stating that his sacrifice exemplifies the force’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation and its people.
“Constable Solanki Mehul Bhai Nandalal’s indomitable spirit and dedication to the motherland will forever inspire us,” a CRPF spokesperson said. “We stand firmly with his family during this time of grief and pledge our continued support.”
The Usur region, located in the dense forests of Bijapur, has long been a stronghold for Maoist insurgents, particularly the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the military wing of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Security forces have been intensifying operations in the area to dismantle Maoist networks, with notable successes in recent months. In January 2025, a joint team of CoBRA battalions 201, 204, and 210 captured an advanced Maoist training camp in Bhattiguda village, approximately 420 km south of Raipur, showcasing the CRPF’s relentless efforts to curb insurgency in the region.
The broader anti-Maoist campaign in Chhattisgarh has seen significant progress in recent years. In the first four months of 2024 alone, security forces neutralized 91 Maoists across the state, including high-ranking members, marking a decline in Maoist violence. However, districts like Bijapur remain challenging due to their rugged terrain and the presence of entrenched Maoist operatives. A recent operation in early May 2025 saw security forces reclaim two strategic hills in Bastar as they advanced toward the Maoist-dominated Karegutta hills in Bijapur, signaling a decisive push against the insurgency.
Constable Solanki’s sacrifice underscores the high stakes of these operations and the bravery of India’s security forces in their fight against internal threats. His martyrdom has reignited calls for peace and development in the Bastar region, where the conflict has claimed countless lives over the decades. The CRPF and other forces remain committed to their mission, vowing to honor their fallen hero by continuing the fight for a safer and more secure nation.
