Major Maoist Commander Neutralized in Bijapur Encounter
Significant Operation Against Maoists in Bijapur
Raipur/Bijapur, Jan 17: In a significant operation, two Maoists, including a prominent commander, were eliminated during a fierce encounter in the dense forests of the National Park area in Bijapur district.
Police reports indicate that the deceased militants include Dilip Bedja, recognized as the head of the Naxalites' National Park Area Committee, along with another member.
The bodies have been retrieved from the encounter site.
Initial intelligence suggested that a senior Maoist leader, Paparao (also known as Papa Rao), was in the vicinity, with some sources claiming he may also have been neutralized, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.
According to officials, the gunfight began this morning in the north-western hilly and forested terrain of Bijapur district, triggered by specific intelligence regarding armed Maoist presence.
A joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel initiated a proactive search and cordon operation, which led to the confrontation.
Firing has been intermittent since the early hours, with the encounter ongoing at various locations in the area. Bijapur Police officials confirmed that the operation remains active, with security forces surrounding the entire region.
"DRG personnel acted on reliable information, and the operation is still in progress. The number of Naxalites killed may increase as combing and body recovery efforts continue," they stated.
Two AK-47 rifles have already been recovered from the site, along with other potential arms and ammunition. This incident marks an early success in Chhattisgarh's intensified anti-Naxal campaign, which aligns with the central government's goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
The Bastar region, including Bijapur, has faced ongoing pressure on Maoist networks through repeated operations, surrenders, and eliminations.
Recently, 52 members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) surrendered to security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region this week.
The surrendered individuals comprised 21 women and 31 men, collectively carrying bounties totaling Rs 1.41 crore.