In a significant anti-Naxal operation in the troubled KGH Hills near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sustained severe injuries while bravely evacuating a wounded soldier on May 4, 2025. The elite 204 CoBRA Battalion was engaged in a mission targeting a heavily fortified Naxal hideout, notorious for its treacherous terrain, dense forest cover, and extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The operation took a dangerous turn when one of Borade’s comrades was injured by an IED explosion. Displaying exceptional courage, Borade led the charge into the perilous area to rescue his teammate. Tragically, as he navigated the booby-trapped terrain, he stepped on an IED himself, resulting in catastrophic injuries to his left leg. Following the incident, Borade was airlifted to Raipur and subsequently transferred to Delhi for urgent medical care, where doctors made the difficult decision to amputate his leg to save his life. He is now reported to be in stable condition and is under close medical observation.
Borade’s selfless actions have garnered national admiration, underscoring the extraordinary risks and sacrifices made by India’s security forces in their fight against Left-Wing Extremism. His bravery is a testament to the discipline, leadership, and courage required of personnel operating in conflict zones, where each moment is fraught with danger.
The 204 CoBRA Battalion, a specialized unit of the CRPF, has been at the forefront of anti-insurgency efforts throughout India’s Red Corridor. Known for their training in guerrilla warfare, jungle combat, and counterinsurgency tactics, this battalion plays a vital role in dismantling Maoist infrastructure in some of the country’s most challenging terrains. The KGH Hills have become a primary area of focus, as the region is believed to harbor several senior Naxal leaders.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his admiration for Borade’s bravery, assuring that the state government will fully support his recovery and rehabilitation. “We salute the indomitable courage of our security forces and are committed to ensuring the well-being of our brave warriors,” he remarked.
Despite a significant decline in Naxal-related violence—plummeting 77% in 2022 compared to a decade prior—resistance persists in remote areas such as those bordering Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The central government, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has committed to eliminating Left-Wing Extremism in the coming years. However, incidents like Borade’s highlight the ongoing threats and the heavy toll endured by those on the front lines.
Assistant Commandant Borade’s heroism serves as a poignant reminder of the daily dangers faced by India’s paramilitary forces and their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation, often at the expense of their personal safety.
