Major Anti-Maoist Operation in Madhya Pradesh: Four Insurgents Neutralized

Significant Encounter in Balaghat District

In a notable advancement in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), security personnel in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh successfully neutralized four insurgents during a confrontation in the Pachama Dadar forest region, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Rupjhar police station.

A senior officer involved in anti-Maoist operations confirmed to a news outlet that the encounter resulted in the neutralization of three female and one male Maoist.

This operation was a collaborative effort between the Hawk Force and local law enforcement, the officer noted.

Further information is pending as the operation continues, and the number of neutralized Maoists may rise.

Intelligence reports indicated the presence of Maoists in the Pachama Dadar forest, prompting the initiation of this operation.

The officer mentioned that while the bodies of three female Maoists have been recovered, their identities are yet to be verified. The recovery of the male insurgent's body is also in progress.

The deceased insurgents were identified as active members of the CPI (Maoist) group.

When inquired about the recovery of weapons from the scene, including an INSAS rifle, a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), and a .303 rifle, officials stated that a thorough search of the area is necessary to confirm the presence of additional ammunition.

All four insurgents were part of a well-known Maoist stronghold that extends across Madhya Pradesh and into neighboring Chhattisgarh.

Previously, on February 19, police in Balaghat had a significant victory when four female Naxalites were killed in an encounter near the Raunda Forest Camp in the Supkhar forest area of Kanha.

These individuals, Asha, Sheela, Ranjita, and Lakhkhe Maravi, had a combined bounty of Rs 62 lakh and had been involved in Maoist activities since 2015-16.

Over the past six years, Balaghat has seen the deaths of 23 Maoists, making it a crucial area in India's counterinsurgency operations. Ongoing search efforts aim to locate any remaining insurgents who may have fled during the firefight.

Authorities continue to encourage militants to surrender and take advantage of government rehabilitation programs.