Major Blow to Maoist Insurgency: 18 Naxalites Neutralized in Bijapur Encounter
Significant Operation Against Maoists in Bijapur
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh): In a significant setback for the Maoist movement in the Bastar region, security forces successfully eliminated 18 Naxalites during a fierce confrontation in the dense Keshkutul forests of Bijapur district.
The death toll increased from an initial count of 12 to 18 after extensive search operations uncovered six additional bodies at the encounter site on Thursday morning.
The clash began on Wednesday when a coordinated team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), CoBRA commandos from the CRPF, and local police initiated an anti-Naxal operation based on specific intelligence in the Gangaloor police station area.
Naxalites from the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Company No. 2, along with members from the Bhairamgarh and Gangaloor Area Committees, opened fire on the advancing forces, leading to a prolonged and intense exchange lasting several hours.
Despite being outnumbered and facing threats from automatic weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the security personnel mounted a strong counterattack, resulting in the neutralization of 18 Maoists on the spot.
All bodies have been retrieved, along with a significant cache of weapons and explosives.
The identification process for the deceased Naxalites is currently underway, with Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Singh Meena confirming that names and ranks will be released once finalized.
Extensive search operations are ongoing in the surrounding forests to locate any fleeing insurgents.
Sadly, three courageous personnel lost their lives in the line of duty. Head Constable Monu Mohan Baddi, Constable Dukaru Gonde (posthumously promoted to Head Constable), and Jawan Ramesh Sodi of the District Reserve Guard made the ultimate sacrifice while demonstrating exceptional bravery.
Their remains were returned to Bijapur headquarters on Thursday, where heartfelt tributes were paid at the Police Line Shaheed Vatika along the Bijapur-Gangaloor road.
Senior officials, fellow officers, and local residents paid floral tributes and observed a two-minute silence to honor the fallen heroes.
This successful operation represents another significant victory for the Chhattisgarh Police and central forces in their ongoing efforts against Left Wing Extremism in the region.