In a significant development prior to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a fierce gun battle erupted on Tuesday in a forested area within the Kanker district of the Bastar division in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the demise of at least 29 Maoists. The clash also left three security personnel injured. Confirming the unprecedented number of Maoist casualties in a single operation within the Bastar region, Bastar Inspector General Sundarraj P stated, “The encounter site is a trijunction area between Abujhmad, Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, and north Bastar. We had information of senior cadres like Lalita, Shankar and Raju being at the spot. Acting on this information, a joint team of DRG (District Reserve Guards) and BSF (Border Security Force) was sent there.” The skirmish unfolded under the jurisdiction of the Chhotebethiya police station.
According to a spokesperson from the Border Security Force (BSF), the joint operation by BSF and DRG teams was launched on April 16 based on specific intelligence inputs. “While the operation was underway, the BSF operations party came under fire from CPI (Maoist) cadres, and BSF troops effectively retaliated against them,” the spokesperson added.
Subsequent searches of the area led to the recovery of the bodies of 29 Naxals along with a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. Fortunately, the three injured personnel, including two from the BSF and one from the DRG, are reported to be out of danger and are being airlifted for further medical attention.
Among the recovered weapons were three SLR rifles, an AK rifle, two pistols, two INSAS rifles, and two 303 rifles. The operation was part of an ongoing effort initiated on the evening of April 15, based on intelligence regarding Maoist movements in the Binagunda and adjoining areas.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the security personnel for their successful operation, stating, “Today, a large number of Naxals have been killed in an operation by security forces in Chhattisgarh. I congratulate all the security personnel who made this operation successful with their bravery, and wish for the speedy recovery of the brave policemen who have been injured.” Shah reiterated the government’s determination to eradicate Naxalism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma praised the bravery of the security forces and expressed willingness for dialogue with the Naxals. He emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing development to the Bastar region.
The recent clash marks a significant development as security forces penetrate the Maoist stronghold of Abujhmad, spanning across Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada districts. Additional Director General (Naxal operations), Vivekanand Sinha, highlighted the operations’ success in dismantling the Partapur area committee, responsible for various violent activities, including attacks on security personnel and civilians.
The toll from Tuesday’s encounter brings the total number of Maoists killed this year to 79. Additionally, 18 civilians and six security personnel have lost their lives in Maoist violence in 2024.
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