5 ex-Naxals among 8 security personnel killed in Chhattisgarh blast
India TodayOf the eight security personnel who lost their lives in a Maoist blast in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district a day ago, five had joined the police force after quitting Naxalism, a senior official said. Head Constable Budhram Korsa, constables Dumma Markam, Pandaru Ram, Baman Sodhi, all belonging to the District Reserve Guard, and constable Somdu Vetti of Bastar Fighters were earlier active as Naxalites and joined the police force after they surrendered, Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P told PTI. Eight security personnel, four each from DRG and Bastar Fighters' both units of state police, and a civilian driver, were killed after Naxalites blew up a vehicle which was part of a convoy carrying security personnel near Ambeli village under the Kutru police station area of the district on Monday. State police's 'Bastar Fighters' unit was raised in 2022, wherein local Bastar youth who are familiar with the local culture, language, terrain and have a bond with the tribals, were recruited.