HYDERABAD – In a deadly ambush early Thursday, three junior commandos of the Greyhounds—Telangana’s elite anti-Maoist force—were killed, and one reserve sub-inspector critically injured, when Maoists triggered a landmine blast in the Wazeedu-Perur forest area near the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border in Mulugu district.
This marks the first police fatality in anti-Maoist operations in Telangana since 2024, and comes just a day after 22 Maoists were killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district.
40 Maoists Ambushed Patrol Team
The attack occurred around 6:00 AM, as joint teams of Greyhounds and local special police were conducting counter-insurgency operations to locate and neutralize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the dense forest area.
According to Telangana DGP Anjani Kumar Jitender, a group of 35–40 Maoists, including several armed women cadres, launched a surprise attack using landmines and opened heavy gunfire on the police teams near Peddagutta, about 4 km from Penugolu village.
“The Maoists detonated landmines from a distance and followed it up with indiscriminate firing. Our personnel retaliated effectively, forcing them to retreat,” said the DGP in an official statement.
Police Suspect Intelligence Leak
Sources believe that the Maoists may have had prior intelligence on police movement. A senior officer confirmed that the Greyhounds team had been deployed to Wazeedu after alerts suggested Maoist presence.
Despite the fierce attack, officials denied reports that any weapons were looted from the slain personnel.
IED Warnings Ignored by Maoists
Mulugu Superintendent of Police P. Shabarish stated that Maoists had issued warnings to tribal villagers in the Karregutta forest on April 8, advising them to stay away from the area.
“To safeguard civilians, our teams have been conducting regular bomb detection operations. Unfortunately, during one such sweep this morning, a landmine detonated, resulting in the loss of three of our men,” said SP Shabarish.
Victims Identified, Tribute Paid
The deceased commandos were identified as:
- Vadla Sridhar
- N. Pavan Kalyan
- T. Sandeep
All were of constable rank. Reserve Sub-Inspector Ranadhir, who sustained serious injuries during the gunfire exchange, was airlifted to a Hyderabad hospital for advanced treatment.
The bodies of the fallen personnel were taken to Warangal Government Hospital for post-mortem. Telangana Minister Seethakka, DGP Jitender, and Greyhounds Chief M. Stephen Raveendra paid floral tributes to the martyrs.
Manhunt Launched
A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“We have launched a full-scale manhunt to apprehend those responsible,” said the DGP.
Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts, both bordering Chhattisgarh, are considered hotbeds of Maoist activity in Telangana. So far this year, over 250 Maoists have surrendered in these regions, most of them from Chhattisgarh.
Greyhounds: Low Casualties, High Impact
The Greyhounds are widely regarded as India’s most effective anti-Naxalite force, praised for their stealth, precision, and minimal casualty record.
Prior to this incident, the last fatality in the unit was in February 2024, when a commando, A. Praveen, was electrocuted by a poacher’s trap during a sweep in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district.
Other notable incidents in recent years include:
- September 2024: Two commandos injured in a gunfight in Mothe village.
2020: Reserve SI Aditya Sai Kumar was killed in an accidental firearm discharge in Chennapuram forest.
