Page 194 - Sanidhya 2025

SPECIAL OPERATION KARREGUTTA HILLS
SPECIAL OPERATION KARREGUTTA HILLS

Karregutta Hills was stronghold and shelter of Maoists. splinter Coys and 04 YPs of CRPF from other Ranges,
The terrain in the area was very tough and the area was teams of DRG and teams of STF. The troops carried out
untouched by Security Forces, hence it was a safe heaven operation in scorching heat (hot/humid climate with
for Maoists. “Intelligence input was received about 42-46 degree temperature) with limited water and food.
presence of heavily armed Maoists, approx 450-600 in Every step on Karregutta hills was challenging for troops
numbers, in Karregutta Hills, along with top Maoists as the Maoists has planted large scale IEDs to curtail
Commanders such as Damodar (TSC), Madvi Hidma forward movement of troops. The inhospitable Hills
(CCM & PLGA I/C), Deva Barse (Commander of PLGA Bn stands at an altitude of 5000 meters and remain
No 1), Vijja Hemla (Comdr Pln 09 & 10) and other inescapable even for local population. IED blasts, EoF
members of their Communication/Supply Teams. Keeping with Naxals, Lightening strikes, Snakes/insects and the
in view the level of threat perception, tough terrain, adverse climatic condition was the main challenge for the
adverse climate condition and lack of road connectivity; troops to counter. First 2-3 days of the operation were
series of meetings and deliberations with all stakeholders very crucial for the troops, thereafter the troops adapted
was held to plan the operation in Karregutta Hills with a themselves as per ground conditions. Besides, IED
injuries, there were many cases of dehydration and
malaria during the Ops. Logistics and water/food
supplies to the troops in the field, were made through
Helicopter. Under such extreme adverse conditions and
unfamiliar terrain, it was decided to carry out the Ops in
2 phases. Though the decision to extend the operation
with stuggling/grappling troops was not an easy task,
but the motivated Commanders made it easy to motivate
the troops for the extended operation. 05 personnel of
this Ops Range Units were injured in incidents of IEDs
Blast. Finally, the operation which started on 21/04/2025
spread of 1200 Sq Km with 15-20 hills adjoining each concluded after 21 days, i.e., on 11/05/2025. Finally, the
other. Initially it was planned to launch the operation for operation was a great success with a jolt to the Maoists
4-5 days. A large number of troops from CoBRA, CRPF,
DRG & STF were participated in the operation as the area
to be covered was very large and the terrain and weather
conditions was very challenging in terms of approach/
basic amenities/tough landscapes. Therefore, planning
and Coordination among various stakeholders in the field
and troops involved and backend support was very
crucial.

After proper planning, the operation on Karregutta Hills
was initially launched on 21/04/2025 (evening hours) for
4-5 days with troops of 202/203/205/206/210 CoBRA, organization. The troops were successful in sanitizing the
troops of 22/62/81/153/ 196/199/214/229 GD Bn, 17 unapproachable Karregutta Hills by neutralizing 31