In a major setback for Madhya Pradesh’s elite anti-Maoist unit, the Hawk Force, Inspector Ashish Sharma—one of its most accomplished officers—was killed in a fierce encounter with armed Maoists on Wednesday morning near the Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh–Maharashtra tri-junction.
According to officials, around 8.30 am, Sharma was leading a joint operation involving police teams from all three states when they came under heavy fire inside dense Chhattisgarh forests. He sustained critical bullet injuries to his abdomen and thigh during the exchange.
Despite immediate attempts to save him, including preparations to airlift him to a super-speciality hospital, Sharma died at the Dongargarh Community Health Centre in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district. Authorities confirmed casualties among the Maoists, though the exact numbers have not yet been released as the operation is still underway.
Inspector Sharma was widely respected within the force— a two-time gallantry medal awardee known for leading high-risk missions. Earlier this year, he received an out-of-turn promotion after a successful operation that neutralised three hardcore women Maoist operatives in the Raunda forest region.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep grief over Sharma’s death, saying:
“His unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice in the national fight against Naxalism will always be remembered. The entire state stands firmly with his family during this immense loss.”
The incident comes soon after the killing of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in Andhra Pradesh, a major blow to Left-wing extremist networks. Security agencies believe these continued operations are bringing the country closer to the Centre’s goal of eliminating the Maoist movement in the coming year.
