Chhattisgarh CM, Home Minister pay tribute to braveheart CoBRA commando Mehul Solanki

ANI May 23, 2025 204 views

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Home Minister Vijay Sharma paid tribute to CoBRA commando Mehul Solanki, who was martyred in a Naxal encounter in Narayanpur. The operation also resulted in the death of 27 Naxals, including top Maoist leader Basavaraju. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the neutralization of Basavaraju a major milestone in India's fight against Naxalism. PM Modi praised the security forces for their success in the anti-Naxal operation.

"His sacrifice will not go in vain... Peace will prevail in Bastar" - CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur, May 23: Wreaths were laid on Friday at the mortal remains of CoBRA battalion's Mehul Solanki, who lost his life in the encounter between security forces and naxalites in the forest area of Abujhmad in Narayanpur on May 21.

Key Points

1

CM Sai and Home Minister Sharma pay homage to martyred Solanki

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27 Naxals, including top Maoist leader Basavaraju, killed in encounter

3

Amit Shah hails neutralization of Basavaraju as historic

4

PM Modi praises security forces for anti-Naxal success

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his deputy Vijay Sharma laid a wreath and paid homage to Mehul Solanki.

CM Sai and Sharma, who is also the state's Home Minister lend their shoulder to the mortal remains of CoBRA battalion personnel.

"CoBRA commando Constable Mehul Solanki, a resident of Gujarat, lost his life in the encounter between naxalites and security forces in the Narayanpur area... We pay tribute to him and may his soul rest in peace... His sacrifice will not go in vain... Peace will prevail in the Bastar area," CM told mediapersons.

Solanki lost his life during a joint operation of the security forces in the Abujmarh forests of Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Wednesday, where 27 Naxals were also killed.

CPI (Maoist) general secretary Basavaraju was among the 27 Naxals killed in the joint operation of the security forces in Narayanpur district.

The Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh, P Sundarraj, said Basavaraju, had an active role in the planning of many Naxalite attacks on security forces and people's representatives and termed his killing a great achievement in the anti-Naxal operation.

AK-47 rifles, SLR-INSAS carbines, and other arms and ammunition in heavy numbers were recovered. One DRG jawan was martyred and several others were injured in the operation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that this is the first time in three decades of India's battle against Naxalism that a General Secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by the security forces.

Noting that Basavaraju was the backbone of the Naxal movement, Amit Shah said that 54 Naxalites have been arrested and that 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh after the completion of Operation Black Forest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the efforts of India's security forces after 27 Maoists, including top CPI-Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, were killed in a major operation in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, "Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people."

Reader Comments

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Rajesh P.
Salute to our brave CoBRA commando Mehul Solanki! 🇮🇳 These men put their lives on the line so we can sleep peacefully. The government must ensure his family gets all possible support. Operation Black Forest seems to be delivering results - hope this brings peace to Bastar region soon.
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Priya M.
Heartbreaking to see young lives lost in these encounters. While the operation's success is commendable, we must also focus on development in these areas. No mother should lose her son - whether it's a jawan or a misguided youth who became a Naxal. Jai Hind!
A
Amit K.
Neutralizing Basavaraju is a huge achievement! These Maoist leaders brainwash poor tribals while their own children study abroad. Our forces deserve all praise đź‘Ź But media should also highlight how many jawans we're losing in these ops - their sacrifice must not be forgotten.
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Sunita R.
As someone from Chhattisgarh, I've seen how Naxalism has destroyed generations. Schools remain closed, development stops. This operation gives hope, but we need sustained efforts - not just military but also education and jobs. Om Shanti to Constable Solanki 🙏
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Vikram S.
While we celebrate this victory, let's remember it's not just about eliminating leaders. The real challenge is winning hearts in these remote areas. CRPF and state police are doing great work, but where are the roads, hospitals and schools promised years ago?
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Neha T.
So proud of our security forces! But can we please stop politicizing martyrs? Every party uses these bravehearts for photo ops. What we need is concrete action - better equipment for jawans, faster promotions, and real support for their families. #RespectOurForces

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Tags:
Chhattisgarh Naxal encounter Mehul Solanki Vishnu Deo Sai Vijay Sharma Basavaraju Amit Shah Narendra Modi