Family Claims Victim of Chhattisgarh Gunfight Was Not a Maoist

In a recent incident in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, the family of Mahesh Kudiyam, a man killed in a gunfight, claims he was not a Maoist, despite police assertions. Kudiyam, a government school cook, was among seven fatalities during a confrontation with security forces. His family insists he was simply grazing cattle on the day of the incident. This case highlights ongoing tensions and disputes regarding the identities of those involved in such violent encounters, as many families contest police claims that their loved ones were affiliated with Maoist groups. The situation continues to unfold as investigations proceed.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 23, 2025, 12:32 IST

Claims Arise Over Identity of Gunfight Victim

Family members of a 38-year-old man, who was one of seven individuals killed during a confrontation between suspected Maoists and security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on June 5, assert that he was not affiliated with Maoist activities, as reported by a local news outlet.

Mahesh Kudiyam, hailing from Irpagutta village, had served as a cook at a government school for over a year, according to his relatives. In contrast, police reports indicated that he was linked to the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head.

On June 5, Kudiyam and six others were fatally shot by security forces in the Indravati National Park area during a coordinated operation. Among the deceased was Gautam alias Sudhakar, a central committee member of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

The central committee is recognized as the highest decision-making authority within the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Multiple gunfights occurred between June 5 and June 7 as part of the operation. On June 10, police identified Kudiyam as a member of the Maoist National Park area committee.

However, in an interview with a local YouTube channel, Kudiyam's wife, Sumitra, along with his brothers and some villagers, insisted that he was not involved with Maoist activities.

According to a villager named Irma Vela, Kudiyam was merely a cook and peon at the government school. His family contended that he had gone out to graze cattle on the day of the incident.

Sundarraj P, the inspector general of police for the Bastar Range, confirmed Kudiyam's role as a school cook. Nonetheless, he also stated that Kudiyam had ties to Maoist groups.

During the inquest, it was asserted that Mahesh Kudiyam was indeed a member of the banned CPI (Maoist) organization operating in the National Park Area division, with established connections to the group.

The police statement noted that Kudiyam's appointment as a cook was sanctioned by the village school management committee, and he received compensation for his role until March.

Investigations are ongoing regarding how Kudiyam interacted with senior Maoist leaders, including Central Committee member Gautam and State Committee member Bhaskar. Authorities are conducting a thorough and unbiased inquiry into all facets of the case.

The police urged individuals associated with the Communist Party of India (Maoist) to sever ties immediately, warning that continued involvement with such extremist groups poses significant risks to public safety and regional stability.

Chhattisgarh's chief minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, previously stated that over 400 suspected Maoists had been killed in the Bastar region in 2024-’25.

In 2024, security forces reportedly killed 217 suspected Maoists across Chhattisgarh.

Reports indicate that while many of those killed in the Bastar region were labeled by police as reward-carrying Maoists, numerous families contest these claims, asserting that the deceased were civilians.

Recent Violence Linked to Maoist Activities

Two Alleged Police Informers Killed

On June 21, two individuals suspected of being police informers were killed by alleged Maoists in Bijapur district, as reported by a local news source. The incident occurred in the villages of Sendrobor and Yampur, under the jurisdiction of the Pamed Police Station.

An unnamed official revealed that a group of suspected Maoists entered the villages on Saturday night and executed the two civilians, believing them to be informants.

This incident transpired just a day before Union Home Minister Amit Shah was scheduled to visit Chhattisgarh for a two-day review of ongoing anti-Maoist operations in the state.

Additionally, on June 17, three individuals were reportedly strangled to death by suspected Maoists in Peddakorma village. Two of the victims were relatives of Dinesh Modiyam, a Maoist commander who had surrendered to security forces in March.