Major Encounter in Chhattisgarh: Two Maoists Neutralized and Weapons Seized

Significant Operation in Bijapur

Bijapur: In a recent encounter in the Indravati river area of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, security forces eliminated two Maoists and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, as reported by officials on Thursday.

The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding Maoist activity in the Indravati River region. A coordinated effort by security personnel led to an anti-Maoist search operation in the vicinity.

During the operation on Thursday morning, a firefight erupted between the security forces and the Maoists in the river belt.

Bijapur's Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Yadav, confirmed that following the encounter, the bodies of two armed Maoists were discovered in the area.

He noted that the recovered weapons included an SLR rifle, an INSAS rifle, and a 12-bore shotgun, along with explosives and other materials linked to Maoist activities.

Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattalingam, mentioned that search operations are ongoing in the surrounding areas, and a detailed report will be released later.

Further updates are expected as the operation progresses.

In another development, two Maoists were sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a significant achievement for the anti-Naxal initiative in Dantewada district, along with a fine of Rs 5,000.

The convicted individuals, Hunga alias Guttum Sodi and Joga Kudami, both from Pordem village in the neighboring Sukma district, were apprehended on May 20, 2024.

A case was filed at the Aranpur police station under various sections of the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act of 1908.

After their arrest, they were presented in court and placed in judicial custody. The trial took place in a Special Court under the NIA Act.

Upon reviewing the evidence and witness testimonies, the court determined that the accused possessed explosive materials, including tiffin bombs and detonators.

Both were convicted under Section 4(b) of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, receiving a five-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs 5,000.

Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six months of simple imprisonment.