CRPF's Elite CoBRA Battalion Honored as Best Operation Unit for 2025
The elite 210 CoBRA battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), deployed in the heavily Maoist-affected Bijapur district of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, was conferred with the prestigious best operation battalion trophy for 2025 on Saturday. This recognition highlights the unit's relentless efforts in one of India's most challenging and inaccessible forest terrains.
Unprecedented Success in Anti-Naxal Operations
Over the past two years, the battalion has conducted numerous intelligence-led operations, inflicting significant casualties on Maoist forces. Among its most notable achievements was the Karegutta hills 'Black Forest operation' in March-April 2025, which spanned over 15 days and resulted in the elimination of more than two dozen Maoists. This operation successfully targeted a highly secure hideout used by Maoist commanders.
According to official data, the battalion's efforts in the past year alone have been remarkable:
- Eliminated 95 hardcore Maoists
- Arrested 136 Maoist cadres
- Facilitated the surrender and reintegration of 61 cadres
Disrupting Maoist Infrastructure and Networks
The operations conducted by the 210 CoBRA battalion have led to the recovery of hundreds of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and weapons. Officials emphasized that these actions have severely disrupted Maoist logistics, recruitment pipelines, training modules, and communication networks, weakening their operational capabilities in the region.
Strategic Expansion and Area Domination
To enhance area domination and maintain a sustained presence in remote zones, the battalion established 21 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). These bases have significantly improved response times and operational reach in interior areas, according to officials.
This strategic expansion has facilitated the development of operational corridors, including:
- Tarrem and Nambi axes linked with Pamed
- Basaguda connected to Jagargunda
These corridors have improved movement across tri-junction zones touching Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra, enhancing coordination and security operations in these critical areas.
Consecutive Honors and Gallantry Recognitions
The best operation battalion trophy marks the elite unit's second consecutive top operational honor, following their win of the best ops battalion (SOZ) award in 2024. The award was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the CRPF Day Parade in Guwahati, Assam.
Personnel of the battalion have received multiple gallantry and service decorations, including four Kirti Chakras, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, underscoring their bravery and dedication in combating left-wing extremism.
The 210 CoBRA battalion's achievements reflect a comprehensive approach to counter-insurgency, combining tactical operations with strategic infrastructure development to secure some of India's most volatile regions.
