Maoists kill 3 Greyhounds commandos of Telangana in landmine blast: Police
Maoist Blast Kills 3 Greyhounds Commandos in Telangana Near Chhattisgarh Border
Hyderabad, May 8, 2025 — A powerful landmine blast by Maoists killed three Greyhounds commandos near the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border on Wednesday morning. The explosion struck during a routine combing operation in the Pamedu forest region, a known Maoist stronghold near Bijapur.
Blast During Morning Patrol
The commandos were patrolling the dense forest at around 6:30 AM when the landmine exploded. The blast left a deep crater and claimed three lives on the spot. Two other commandos suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to a hospital in Bhadrachalam for treatment.
Senior police officers confirmed the deaths and said the team had entered the area to track down Maoist activity.
Greyhounds Face Deadly Ambush
The Greyhounds are Telangana’s elite anti-Maoist force. They specialize in jungle warfare and carry out deep-forest operations. For decades, this unit has played a key role in suppressing Naxal influence in the border regions.
Officials believe Maoists planted the landmine as a trap, possibly in response to recent police raids in the area. Police also found Maoist posters nearby, warning forces not to enter what the rebels call “liberated zones.”
Police Launch Massive Search
Telangana DGP Ravi Gupta condemned the attack and promised strict action. “This act won’t go unanswered. We remain committed to restoring peace,” he said.
Soon after the blast, police launched a large-scale manhunt. Special teams, drones, and sniffer dogs are scouring the region to track the attackers. The Telangana and Chhattisgarh forces are coordinating efforts to tighten the noose around the Maoist hideouts.
Mourning Across the State
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow and assured full support to the martyrs’ families. “Their sacrifice will be honored. We stand with their families in this hour of grief,” he stated.
The bodies will be brought to Hyderabad for final rites with full state honors. Tributes poured in from across the country, including messages from political leaders and citizens on social media.
Ongoing Struggle in Bastar Belt
The Bastar region continues to pose serious challenges due to its terrain and Maoist presence. Despite a decline in overall Maoist activity, parts of this zone remain under heavy influence.
Security experts say insurgents use guerrilla tactics and target forces with hidden explosives. They warn that Maoists may step up attacks ahead of elections or during major security operations.
