CRPF Memorial Honours 25 Jawans Killed in 2017 Sukma Maoist Ambush

Sukma: A memorial dedicated to 25 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who were killed in a deadly 2017 Maoist ambush, was inaugurated on Friday in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district.

The memorial, located at the headquarters of the CRPF’s 74th battalion in Dornapal, was unveiled by Deputy Inspector General Anand Rajpurohit. The tribute commemorates the soldier who lost their lives on April 24, 2017, when Maoists ambushed a CRPF team at Burkapal under Chintagufa police station limits while they were providing security for road construction work.

Described as one of the deadliest attacks on security forces during the insurgency, the ambush claimed the lives of 25 personnel and highlighted the intense challenges faced by forces operating in the Bastar region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rajpurohit said the sacrifices of the fallen personnel symbolise unwavering commitment to national unity and security. “Their courage and dedication continue to inspire future generations. It is because of their sacrifice that Chhattisgarh has moved towards becoming free from the Maoist menace,” he said.

The event included rituals, a guard of honour, and a two-minute silence in remembrance of the martyrs. Officials from multiple CRPF battalions attended the ceremony.

The Bastar region, including Sukma, had long been a hotspot of Left-Wing Extremism, especially during infrastructure projects like the Dornapal–Jagargunda road, which required heavy security deployment and witnessed repeated attacks.

Officials noted that such sacrifices played a key role in improving security conditions in the region over the years. The memorial has been established to preserve the legacy and bravery of the fallen personnel.

Earlier this month, another memorial was inaugurated in Sukma to honour 76 security personnel killed in a 2010 Maoist ambush in Tadmetla, underlining continued efforts to remember those who lost their lives in anti-Naxal operations.