The tale of C-60 commando Kumod Atram: A soldier who fought Maoist forces, now injured and bed-ridden

C-60 commando Kumod Atram, who was airlifted in critical condition from the Abujmarh battlefield, shared his experiences while recovering in a Nagpur hospital.

With a decorated career spanning eight years, Atram has been involved in 22 encounters against Maoist forces, stating, "Ab tak unchaalis," when asked about the toll he has personally inflicted on them.

Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds, Atram is eager to return to duty. He was injured while attempting to provide cover for a fellow commando who had come under intense fire from Maoist guerrillas.


While crouched behind a broad tree trunk for protection, Atram was struck three times during the exchange. He endured significant blood loss for half an hour before a comrade retrieved a blood-clotting kit from a nearby location amidst the ongoing gunfire.

Atram participated in a fierce battle against the Maoists' "Company Number 10," resulting in the deaths of five People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) fighters.

These individuals had amassed around 300 offenses and carried a collective bounty of Rs 38 lakh. Among those killed were two senior women divisional committee members, Jaya Pada and Ankalu Tulavi.

The commando, along with 22 other commandos and CRPF personnel, trekked for 72 hours across the challenging Abujmarh terrain before engaging with PLGA fighters positioned at two separate camps located 7 kilometers apart.

The camps attempted to ambush the advancing security forces but ultimately found themselves under siege.

Officials from Gadchiroli police and anti-Naxal operations indicated that this mission was strategically launched to prevent Maoist disruptions during the upcoming Maharashtra elections on November 20.

(With inputs from TOI)