The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday inaugurated a memorial built in honour of its 25 personnel killed in a 2017 Maoist ambush in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The memorial was formally inaugurated with rituals and ceremonies, followed by a guard of honour by officers and personnel of the CRPF. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the fallen jawans.
Twenty-five servicemen belonging to the CRPF's 74th Battalion were killed on 24 April 2017, when Maoists ambushed them in Burkapal, under Chintagufa police station limits, while they were providing security for road construction work.
“While securing road construction in Burkapal, Sukma, our troopers were ambushed by nearly 400 Maoists. Despite the heavy odds, they fought back with unyielding resolve, forcing the enemy to retreat. We salute the indomitable courage of Insp/GD Raghubir Singh and CT Abhay Mishra, posthumously awarded the PMG. Their valour remains etched in the annals of history,” the paramilitary force said on X.
DG and all ranks of #CRPF pay solemn tribute to the 25 bravehearts of 74 Bn who made the supreme sacrifice on this day in 2017.
— 🇮🇳CRPF🇮🇳 (@crpfindia) April 24, 2026
While securing road construction in Burkapal, Sukma, our troopers were ambushed by nearly 400 Maoists. Despite the heavy odds, they fought back with… pic.twitter.com/ipfrQ5ZoRU
CRPF Deputy Inspector General (Sukma) Anand Rajpurohit dedicated the memorial at the headquarters of the central force's 74th Battalion at Dornapal in the district. The Commandant of the CRPF's 74th Battalion, Himanshu Pandey, alongside officials and personnel of the 159th, 223rd, and 226th battalions of the force, were present at the dedication ceremony.
DIG Rajpurohit said the sacrifices of the fallen jawans symbolise their unwavering commitment to the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.
ALSO READ:
- Will a potential Su-57 deal lead to IAF opting for Russian MUM-T model over US? Manned-Unmanned Teaming combat EXPLAINED
- DRDO hands over AI-powered ‘Prajna’ system to home ministry. What is it? Why does it matter?
- Did govt leave it to Indian Army during China stand-off? Former Army chief Naravane breaks silence on 'Jo uchit samjho’ row
"On 24 April, we remember our brave colleagues who laid down their lives while ensuring security for development works. Their courage and dedication continue to inspire future generations," he declared.
"It is due to their sacrifice that Chhattisgarh has become Maoist-free. We once again pay tribute to them," the IPS officer stated.
The Bastar region, where Sukma is located, once witnessed intense Maoist activity, particularly during the construction of the Dornapal–Jagargunda road, which required heavy security deployment. Several security personnel laid down their lives during the road construction, which was targeted by Naxals, officials said.
Notably, a similar memorial dedicated to 76 security personnel killed in a 2010 Maoist ambush in the Tadmetla area of Sukma district was inaugurated on 6 April this year.
