Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Hawk Force inspector Ashish Sharma, 26, was killed in a violent encounter with Maoists along the Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh border on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a joint anti-Maoist operation involving forces from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra in a forested area of Balaghat.

According to Pankaj Srivastava, Deputy Director General of Police for anti-Naxal operations, information had been received about Maoist cadres hiding near Bor Talab, at the tri-junction of the three states. “Upon arrival, the police asked them to surrender, but they opened fire. The force retaliated. During the gunfight, Inspector Ashish Sharma, who was leading a three-person team, was shot. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead,” Srivastava stated.

Ashish Sharma hailed from Bohani village in Gadarwara, Narsinghpur district. He had been selected as a sub-inspector in 2016 and was recognized for his distinguished service in anti-Maoist operations. The Madhya Pradesh government had awarded him an out-of-turn promotion in recognition of his dedication, and he had received two gallantry medals from the Government of India over the past two years for his exceptional bravery in the line of duty.

Paying tribute to Sharma, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav wrote on X: “Today, Inspector Ashish Sharma of the Madhya Pradesh Hawk Force attained martyrdom in an encounter with Maoists. I offer my humble tributes. My condolences are with the bereaved family. He displayed unprecedented valour and courage during an anti-Naxal operation conducted by a joint team of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra in the forests of Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.”

Yadav added, “His supreme sacrifice in the national campaign to eradicate Maoists will always be unforgettable. He was previously awarded the gallantry medal by the Government of India twice for displaying indomitable courage and exceptional bravery in the line of duty.”

The encounter underscores the persistent threat posed by Maoist insurgents in the region, despite sustained efforts by state and central forces to curb their activities. Ashish Sharma’s sacrifice is being remembered as a testament to the bravery and commitment of security personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations.

Authorities continue to strengthen operations along the MP–Chhattisgarh border, emphasizing intelligence-led missions to neutralize Maoist elements while minimizing casualties among security forces. The incident has also prompted renewed calls for enhanced support, training, and resources for officers engaged in frontline counter-insurgency operations.

Sharma’s death has been widely mourned across Madhya Pradesh, with senior officials and colleagues praising his courage, dedication, and leadership during high-risk operations in Naxal-affected areas. Tributes have poured in from government officials, fellow officers, and local communities, highlighting the personal and professional sacrifices made by personnel tasked with combating Maoist insurgency.

This tragic incident highlights both the ongoing dangers faced by security forces in India’s Naxal-affected regions and the critical importance of continued coordination between states in joint anti-Maoist operations.