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Major gun battle between Maoists, security forces underway at Chhattisgarh’s Indravati National Park

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1 day ago

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A fierce and prolonged gun battle erupted early Thursday morning between Maoist insurgents and security forces in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh’s Indravati National Park, located in the restive Bijapur district. The exchange of fire, which began during a joint combing operation by CRPF’s CoBRA unit, District Reserve Guard (DRG), and Special Task Force (STF), has continued into the evening hours, suggesting the presence of a large group of armed Maoists, possibly including top cadre leaders.

According to sources from the state police department, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding a Maoist gathering deep inside the core zone of the park, a known hideout due to its inaccessibility and thick forest cover. The teams were airlifted to a remote location on the park’s periphery and began advancing into the jungle on foot late Wednesday night. Around dawn, the Maoists ambushed one of the units, triggering a heavy exchange of fire.

As of now, there is no official confirmation on casualties, but unconfirmed reports suggest that several Maoists may have been injured or killed, and a few jawans have sustained injuries. Evacuation of the injured personnel has been delayed due to intermittent firing and the difficult terrain. Reinforcements have been rushed in from nearby camps, and aerial surveillance is being maintained through drones and helicopters.

The gunfight comes days after the Bastar Police intensified anti-Maoist operations in the tri-junction area bordering Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Indravati National Park, while a protected wildlife area, has long served as a strategic Maoist stronghold due to its remoteness, lack of road connectivity, and proximity to the inter-state borders. Security forces have repeatedly attempted to establish a permanent presence in the area but often face stiff resistance from the insurgents.

Locals from nearby villages have reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire and even explosions, indicating the use of IEDs. “It sounded like a war zone this morning. We are terrified and haven’t stepped out since,” said a villager from Bhopalpatnam block, speaking on condition of anonymity. The administration has advised villagers to stay indoors until further notice.

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Senior officials, including the Chhattisgarh DGP and Bastar Range IG, are closely monitoring the developments. “This is a coordinated operation. We had credible information and our teams have been prepared accordingly. The situation is dynamic and unfolding,” an official said.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has been briefed about the encounter and has asked for real-time updates. The government is ensuring that all logistical and medical support reaches the forces on the ground. The CM also reiterated the government’s commitment to rooting out extremism from the Bastar region through both security and development initiatives.

The encounter underscores the continuing challenge posed by the Maoist insurgency, even as the security forces claim a tightening grip over former red zones. It also raises concerns over the use of protected forest areas like Indravati as guerrilla bases, highlighting the complex intersection of insurgency, environmental conservation, and tribal livelihoods in Central India.

As night falls, the operation is expected to continue with added caution. Search operations will be intensified once the firing subsides, and only then will the actual toll of the encounter be known. The coming hours will be critical in determining whether the operation has successfully neutralized a major Maoist camp, or if the insurgents have once again managed to slip away under cover of darkness.

As the gunfight stretches beyond several hours, the atmosphere remains tense in and around the Indravati National Park. With communication lines partially disrupted due to the remoteness of the terrain, updates from the ground are trickling in slowly, adding to the anxiety among officials and families of the security personnel involved. Several helicopters are on standby at Jagdalpur and Bijapur to carry out medical evacuations once it is safe to land.

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The forested interiors of Indravati have historically served as a strategic corridor for Maoist movement between the southern parts of Chhattisgarh and neighboring states. Over the years, the Maoists have used the dense foliage and hilly terrain to establish hidden camps, weapons storage sites, and even rudimentary training centers. The security forces believe the current operation may have struck one such installation, which could explain the intensity of the response from the Maoist side.

A key concern at the moment is the safety of the local tribal population that lives in small hamlets scattered across the buffer zone of the park. While officials claim that no civilian casualties have been reported, the threat of Maoists using villagers as human shields cannot be ruled out, especially during prolonged confrontations like this. Efforts are being made to maintain communication with village heads to ensure residents remain in safe zones and do not venture into conflict-prone areas.

Meanwhile, tension is also visible in the local police stations and district headquarters where teams are working round-the-clock to coordinate reinforcements, monitor aerial surveillance, and communicate with ground forces. Families of the jawans involved have gathered at the camps and are anxiously waiting for news. Counseling teams have been deployed to support them.

The Maoist leadership, especially in the Dandakaranya region, has been under considerable pressure due to continuous crackdowns, the killing of senior cadres, and the defection of lower-level fighters. Experts suggest that such a high-intensity gunfight could be an act of desperation or a preemptive attempt to defend a strategic asset in the forest interior.

Despite the risks, the government has repeatedly asserted its long-term vision to bring development and state presence into areas like Indravati. This includes road construction, establishment of security camps, health centers, and schools. However, Maoists have often sabotaged such projects, seeing them as threats to their control and influence.

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Tonight, as drones buzz overhead and commandos remain on high alert, it is clear that the battle for control over Chhattisgarh’s forest heartland is far from over. The outcome of this encounter may have a significant bearing on the morale of both sides — and may potentially shift the security dynamics in the region.

Further statements from security officials are expected by morning, once the operation enters its next phase — combing the area for bodies, explosives, and evidence of Maoist activity. For now, the national park, ironically meant for the protection of wildlife, has once again become the center of a deadly manhunt.

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RCB victory parade: At least 2 feared dead after stampede-like situation near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy stadium

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2 days ago

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June 4, 2025

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On June 4, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title win. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including a child, and left over 25 others injured .

The stampede unfolded as thousands of jubilant fans gathered near the stadium to partake in the team’s victory celebrations. The overwhelming crowd led to chaos and a stampede-like situation, causing multiple fatalities and injuries .

In response to the incident, emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The Karnataka State Government announced compensation for the victims and initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy .

The planned open-bus victory parade was canceled due to safety concerns, and a formal celebration was held at the stadium with limited attendance .

On June 4, 2025, a day that should have been etched in golden letters for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their legion of passionate supporters turned tragic as celebrations spiraled into chaos. What was meant to be a jubilant and long-awaited victory parade for RCB’s historic maiden IPL title ended in heartbreak, with at least seven people feared dead—including a minor—and over two dozen others injured in a stampede-like situation near the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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Crowds had gathered by the thousands to witness the triumphant return of their cricketing heroes. For many fans, this was more than just a sporting celebration—it was an emotional culmination of 18 long years of hope, heartbreaks, and unwavering support. But as excitement peaked and more fans thronged the streets in the hours leading up to the parade, the situation grew increasingly unmanageable.

Authorities had anticipated a large turnout but seemingly underestimated the sheer volume of people that would congregate outside the stadium and along the planned open-bus route. Reports indicate that crowd control measures were inadequate for the magnitude of the turnout. Police barricades were overwhelmed, and the entry points became choke zones. As fans surged forward, pushing to get closer to the team’s celebratory float, several people lost their footing. In the ensuing crush, panic took hold.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. “We were waiting for the players for more than three hours. Suddenly, people started pushing from behind. I fell down and couldn’t get up. I saw a child being trampled. No one could help,” said Rajesh K., a fan who was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Another fan, Rukmini V., shared, “I was there with my 8-year-old son. We were separated in the crowd. I screamed for help, but it was chaos. Thankfully someone lifted my child out just in time.”

Ambulances arrived swiftly, and emergency personnel worked through the tightly packed streets to reach the injured. Hospitals across central Bengaluru were placed on high alert. The injured, ranging from children to elderly fans, were rushed to nearby facilities, including Bowring Hospital and Victoria Hospital. Some were reported to be in critical condition.

The death toll, initially reported as two, later climbed to at least seven, with fears that it could rise further depending on the condition of the critically injured. The Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “This is a day of mourning for all of Karnataka. While we were ready to celebrate our team’s great achievement, we now grieve for those we’ve lost,” he stated during a press briefing, promising swift action and a thorough investigation into lapses that led to the stampede.

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He also announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. “There will be accountability,” he added, confirming that a high-level committee would be set up to assess whether the event planning followed adequate safety protocols.

The Bengaluru Police, meanwhile, faced sharp criticism from fans and civil society groups alike. Some alleged that the local authorities had denied earlier permission for a full-scale parade but were overruled due to public pressure. Others suggested that RCB’s management had not coordinated sufficiently with the police to ensure safety.

The planned victory parade, which was to feature the RCB team riding an open-top bus from Cubbon Park to the stadium, was immediately canceled. Instead, a closed-door felicitation ceremony was held later that evening at the stadium, attended only by the players, their families, select officials, and media. The mood inside the stadium was subdued. Players offered their condolences and stood in silence to honor the lives lost.

RCB captain Faf du Plessis, visibly shaken, said, “We play for our fans. This win was for them. We never imagined our celebration would end in tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families affected.”

Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for over a decade, also shared a heartfelt message via social media: “My deepest condolences to the families affected by today’s incident. No victory is greater than a human life. We’re devastated.”

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Many fans took to social media to express grief and outrage. While some posted tributes to those who lost their lives, others demanded accountability and reforms in how large-scale public events are planned and managed in Indian cities. Hashtags like #RCBStampede, #JusticeForFans, and #ChinnaswamyTragedy trended across platforms within hours.

Urban planning and public safety experts weighed in, stating that India’s major cities frequently underestimate the logistics needed for such events. “We’ve seen this happen during religious festivals, political rallies, and now even sports events. Crowd modeling and safety assessments are often not given due priority,” said Dr. A.N. Ramakrishnan, a disaster management consultant.

The incident also reignited debate about the role of sports franchises in public safety. Should IPL teams be allowed to host such massive events without strict regulatory oversight? Should there be national guidelines for sports celebrations in public spaces? While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remained largely silent, sources suggest that the board is likely to review its policies around public parades after this tragedy.

In the aftermath, flower tributes were seen piling up outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans, many in RCB jerseys, lit candles and placed posters mourning the deceased. “They came to celebrate the win. They went home in ambulances,” read one placard.

What was supposed to be a day of red and gold pride—the colors of RCB—became a day stained with grief and unanswered questions. Even as the city attempts to heal, it is evident that this incident will leave a lasting mark on both the sporting and civic consciousness of Bengaluru.

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RCB’s victory in IPL 2025 will always be remembered, but tragically, so will the lives lost in its celebration.

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