In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves across India, Inspector Ashish Sharma, a decorated officer of Madhya Pradesh’s elite Hawk Force, was martyred on November 19, 2025, during a fierce anti-Maoist operation in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh. The 40-year-old officer, known for his exceptional bravery and dedication, sustained fatal bullet wounds while leading a joint operation near the tri-junction border of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.
This tragic loss has not only left a void in the anti-Naxal operations but has also reminded the nation of the countless brave souls who sacrifice their lives to keep us safe. Inspector Sharma’s story is one of courage, dedication, and the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Table of Contents
- Who Was Inspector Ashish Sharma?
- The Fatal Encounter: November 19, 2025
- Understanding India’s Elite Hawk Force
- Inspector Sharma’s Distinguished Career and Achievements
- The Human Side: A Hero from Humble Beginnings
- Tributes Pour In from Across the Nation
- The Ongoing Battle Against Left-Wing Extremism
- Impact on Anti-Naxal Operations
- Conclusion: Remembering a True Hero
Who Was Inspector Ashish Sharma?
Inspector Ashish Sharma was far more than just a police officer – he was a symbol of courage and unwavering dedication to the nation. Born and raised in Bohani village in Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Sharma came from humble beginnings, the son of a simple farming family.
At 40 years old, Inspector Sharma had already established himself as one of the most respected and decorated officers in the Madhya Pradesh Police’s elite Hawk Force. His reputation preceded him – a two-time gallantry medal recipient whose name was synonymous with successful anti-Maoist operations.
Key Facts About Inspector Ashish Sharma:
- Age: 40 years
- Hometown: Bohani village, Narsinghpur district, Madhya Pradesh
- Unit: Hawk Force, Balaghat district
- Awards: Two gallantry medals from the Central Government
- Recent Achievement: Out-of-turn promotion in February 2025
- Personal Life: Wedding planned for January 2026
The Fatal Encounter: November 19, 2025
The morning of November 19, 2025, began like any other operation for Inspector Sharma and his team. However, it would turn into one of the darkest days for the Madhya Pradesh Police and anti-Naxal operations in the region.
The Operation Details
The joint operation was meticulously planned, involving security forces from three states:
- Madhya Pradesh Hawk Force (led by Inspector Sharma)
- Chhattisgarh Police
- Maharashtra Commandos
The operation targeted the Kurzher-Bortalab forests in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh – a known Maoist stronghold near the tri-junction border. Intelligence reports had indicated the presence of a heavily armed Maoist group operating in the dense jungle terrain.
The Ambush
At approximately 8:30 AM, as the combined forces advanced through the thick forest cover near Kauhapani under Bortalab police station limits, disaster struck. The Maoists, who had positioned themselves on elevated ground, suddenly opened indiscriminate fire on the security personnel.
Inspector Sharma, true to his reputation, was leading from the front. In the intense firefight that ensued, he sustained multiple bullet wounds – critically in his thigh and abdomen. Despite his grievous injuries, eyewitnesses report that Sharma continued to guide his team and return fire until he collapsed from blood loss.
The Desperate Rush to Save Him
Inspector Sharma was immediately rushed to the Community Health Centre in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon district. Medical staff battled valiantly to save him, but the bleeding was severe. Plans were made to airlift him to a super-speciality hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries before the air ambulance could arrive.
Special DG (Anti-Maoist Operations) Pankaj Shrivastava confirmed the devastating loss, adding that there were casualties on the Maoist side as well, though exact numbers would only be confirmed after the operation concluded.
Understanding India’s Elite Hawk Force
The Hawk Force is not your ordinary police unit – it’s an elite Special Task Force specifically created by the Madhya Pradesh Police to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and Maoist insurgency. Understanding this unit helps us appreciate the caliber of officers like Inspector Ashish Sharma.
Formation and Purpose
The Hawk Force was established as a specialized counter-insurgency unit trained in jungle warfare, guerrilla tactics, and anti-Maoist operations. These officers undergo rigorous training that includes:
- Advanced weapons handling
- Jungle survival techniques
- Counter-ambush tactics
- Intelligence gathering in hostile territories
- Physical and mental endurance training
Why Hawk Force Matters
The Maoist-affected regions of central India, particularly the areas bordering Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, have been hotbeds of Left-Wing Extremism for decades. The Hawk Force serves as the state’s first line of defense against this threat, conducting operations in some of the most dangerous and inaccessible terrains in India.
Inspector Sharma’s Distinguished Career and Achievements
Inspector Ashish Sharma’s career was marked by exceptional bravery and a string of successful operations that made him a legend within the force.
The February 2025 Raunda Forest Operation
Perhaps Inspector Sharma’s most celebrated achievement came in February 2025, when he led a daring operation in the Raunda forests of Balaghat. This mission resulted in the neutralization of three hardcore female Maoist operatives who had been carrying substantial bounties on their heads.
The operation was so successful and demonstrated such exceptional leadership that Sharma was awarded an out-of-turn promotion – a rare honor in the police service that recognizes extraordinary valor and contribution.
Gallantry Medals and Recognition
Inspector Sharma was a two-time recipient of gallantry medals from the Central Government. These prestigious awards are not given lightly – they recognize acts of exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger. His medals stood as testimony to numerous occasions when he put his life on the line for the nation.
A Officer the Force Could Rely On
Colleagues remember Sharma as the officer they would call when the mission was particularly dangerous or complex. His expertise in anti-Maoist operations, his understanding of jungle warfare, and his ability to inspire confidence in his team made him invaluable to the Hawk Force.
The Human Side: A Hero from Humble Beginnings
Behind the decorated officer was a man with dreams, aspirations, and a family waiting for him to return home safely.
A Son of a Farmer
Inspector Ashish Sharma’s story is particularly poignant because of his humble origins. Coming from a simple farming family in Bohani village, Narsinghpur district, Sharma embodied the Indian dream – rising from modest beginnings through sheer hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving the nation.
His family takes immense pride in his achievements, though that pride is now mixed with inconsolable grief. Tributes have poured in describing him as “a hero from a simple farmer’s family” – a powerful reminder that extraordinary courage knows no class boundaries.
The Wedding That Will Never Be
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching aspect of Inspector Sharma’s martyrdom is that his wedding was scheduled for January 2026 – just two months away. The preparations had begun, the date was fixed, and a new chapter of his life was about to unfold. Instead, his family now prepares for his state funeral.
This personal detail has resonated deeply with people across India, adding a profoundly human dimension to the loss. It serves as a stark reminder of the personal sacrifices made by those who serve in uniform – not just their lives, but their dreams, their futures, and their families’ happiness.
Tributes Pour In from Across the Nation
The news of Inspector Sharma’s martyrdom has triggered an outpouring of grief and respect from across India.
