In a tragic turn during a joint anti-Naxal operation, Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s elite Hawk Force Inspector Ashish Sharma (40) lost his life in a violent encounter with Maoists along the Madhya Pradesh&ndash;Chhattisgarh&ndash;Maharashtra border on Wednesday.
The clash occurred near Kauhapani in Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s Rajnandgaon district under Bortalab police station limits. A combined team of Madhya Pradesh Hawk Force and Chhattisgarh Police was on a search-and-destroy mission when Maoists launched a sudden ambush at around 7 am.
The Maoists, positioned on elevated terrain, opened heavy fire. Security forces immediately retaliated, resulting in an intense gunfight lasting several hours. Inspector Sharma sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to a hospital in Dongargarh, where he was pronounced dead.
A native of Balaghat district, Sharma was a decorated officer with two gallantry medals for exceptional bravery in anti-Naxal operations. He played a key role in the February 2025 Raunda forest operation in Balaghat, which led to the elimination of three wanted female Maoists. His exemplary service earned him multiple promotions.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed deep grief and confirmed that Sharma will be honoured with a state funeral. &ldquo;Ashish Sharma was a brave son of Madhya Pradesh who laid down his life fighting Left-Wing Extremism. His sacrifice will not go in vain,&rdquo; he said.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma paid tribute, noting that joint operations have been intensified following the ambush. Additional CRPF and DRG units have been deployed, and search operations continue across the tri-junction region.
This is the second major incident in 48 hours, following the killing of 14 Naxalites, including top commander Madvi Hidma, along the Chhattisgarh&ndash;Andhra Pradesh border. Security sources said the ambush was carried out by remnants of the Malajkhand-Tirodi Platoon of CPI (Maoist), who have been regrouping after recent losses. Large caches of arms, ammunition, and Maoist literature have been recovered from the site.
Inspector Ashish Sharma is survived by his wife and two young children.

MP Hawk Force Inspector Killed in Naxal Ambush

Inspector Ashish Sharma martyred in tri-state anti-Naxal operation;state honours announced

MP Hawk Force Inspector Killed in Naxal Ambush

Inspector Ashish Sharma martyred in tri-state anti-Naxal operation;state honours announced

November 19, 2025 | 17:20 IST