Balimela Massacre – Where Maoist Terror Betrayed Every Code of War
Brave Greyhounds fell to a cold-blooded Maoist ambush at Balimela, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice.
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June 29, 2008, was a horrifying and painful day in Bharat's security history.
On that day, members of the Greyhound force, an elite commando unit of the Andhra Pradesh Police, were attacked by Maoists at the Balimela reservoir on the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border.
The commandos were returning by boat after completing a secret mission.
Armed Maoists hiding in the surrounding hills launched a brutal assault using explosives and weapons.
Within moments, the boat was destroyed and sank.
Thirty-eight people lost their lives, including 32 specially trained commandos and the boatman.
The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha began a joint investigation.
Helicopters and divers were sent for the rescue operation.
The central government declared the incident as an act of anti-national terrorism and took a strong stance against the attackers.
As a result, the much-discussed Operation Green Hunt was launched, which became a long-term joint military and paramilitary campaign against the Maoists.
The attack was not spontaneous. It was planned carefully and carried out without mercy.
Later, the Communist Party of India (Maoist) shamelessly claimed responsibility for the attack and called it a defensive action.
According to their false justification, the security forces had entered their area without permission and were allegedly torturing villagers.
But the fact was that the personnel were only returning from an operation, and later investigations found no evidence to support these claims.
Those who survived the attack with injuries still live with emotional scars.
Some have returned to duty, but they carry the heavy burden of losing their allies.
Every year on June 29, the Greyhound force observes Martyrs’ Day in memory of those who lost their lives.
Garlands are placed on memorial plaques and a few minutes of silence are observed.
Police academies also honour the sacrifice of these brave commandos.
Today, the blood-soaked Balimela flows like any other quiet river.
But for the families who lost their loved ones, every ripple still brings back the cries of that dark day.
So many painful stories and broken dreams have been washed into its waters.
Even after 17 years, the wounds caused by Maoist cruelty remain open and unforgettable.
Article by
Suronjon Mojumder
Intern, The Narrative