By In a grave incident that has sent shockwaves across Telangana, three junior commandos of the elite anti-Naxal force Greyhounds were killed and an Assistant Assault Commander seriously injured in an ambush by Maoists in the dense forest area of Mulugu district. The tragic incident occurred during a combing operation aimed at flushing out extremists who have intensified their presence in the region.
The Ambush: A Planned Attack
According to initial reports, the Maoists laid a trap for the combing team deep inside the forest near the Karrigutta area. The Greyhounds, known for their expertise in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency, were conducting a routine operation based on intelligence inputs. The Maoists, however, were reportedly well-positioned and opened fire unexpectedly, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The suddenness of the attack and the difficult terrain resulted in casualties before reinforcements could arrive. The three slain commandos were immediately airlifted but succumbed to their injuries. The injured officer, the Assistant Assault Commander, is undergoing treatment at a Hyderabad hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition.
Fallen Heroes: Honoring the Martyrs
The three brave commandos who laid down their lives in the line of duty have been identified as:
- Constable P. Ramesh (28)
- Constable A. Suresh (30)
- Constable M. Naresh (27)
All three were part of a highly trained unit and had participated in multiple operations across the Maoist-affected regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Tributes have been pouring in from senior officials, politicians, and the public, praising their valor and sacrifice.
The Greyhounds: Telangana’s Elite Anti-Maoist Force
The Greyhounds, formed in 1989, are one of India’s most specialized forces in anti-insurgency operations. Comprised of commandos with high endurance, jungle survival training, and exceptional combat skills, the unit is regarded as a formidable opponent by Maoist groups. Their operations often involve high-risk pursuits through remote and challenging terrains.
Despite their reputation, the terrain in Mulugu proved perilous. Dense forests, lack of visibility, and tactical traps are common strategies used by Maoists to overpower even the best-trained units.
Government Response and High-Level Review
Telangana’s Director General of Police (DGP) condemned the ambush and said the state would not be deterred in its efforts to eliminate Maoist threats. A high-level review meeting was immediately convened by senior police and intelligence officials to reassess strategy and improve operational safety.
Home Minister Mahmood Ali expressed his condolences to the families and confirmed that the government would provide financial compensation and full honors to the martyred commandos. He also confirmed that special teams are being sent to the area to track down those responsible for the ambush.
Maoist Presence in Mulugu: A Rising Concern
Mulugu district, bordering Chhattisgarh, has seen a resurgence of Maoist activity in recent months. The terrain offers natural cover, making it an ideal hideout for insurgents. According to intelligence sources, recent attempts by Maoists to regain influence and mobilize tribal youth have triggered increased patrolling and combing operations by the police and Greyhounds.
Security analysts believe that the ambush was a retaliatory act, possibly following recent police successes against local Maoist units.
Mourning and Solidarity Across the State
As news of the ambush spread, public mourning was observed in the hometowns of the deceased commandos. Locals gathered to pay their respects, and candlelight vigils were organized by student unions, retired police veterans, and civilian organizations.
Political leaders across party lines extended their condolences. TDP’s Nara Lokesh, BRS leader K. T. Rama Rao, and Congress MLA Revanth Reddy all called for a united stand against extremism and better support for the families of security personnel.
Calls for Tactical Reassessment
Experts have called for a thorough assessment of counter-insurgency strategies, especially in vulnerable zones like Mulugu. Some have criticized the use of routine patterns and predictable patrol routes that expose security forces to ambushes. Recommendations include using drones for surveillance, enhancing intelligence sharing, and incorporating technology-driven tracking to reduce risk.
Conclusion
The ambush in Mulugu is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in India’s fight against left-wing extremism. The loss of three young commandos is not just a tragedy for their families but a blow to the morale of the entire force. However, it also highlights the bravery and commitment of the Greyhounds, who continue to put their lives on the line to protect civilians and restore peace in insurgency-hit regions. As the state grieves, efforts are underway to ensure their sacrifice does not go in vain.
