Bijapur Encounter: 31 Maoists Killed, Tributes Paid to Fallen Soldiers
Bijapur, Chhattisgarh – In a significant counter-insurgency operation, security forces neutralized 31 Maoists, including 11 women, in an intense gunfight in Bijapur district on Sunday. Among the slain insurgents was Hunga Karma, a key military leader and divisional committee member (DVCM) of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Authorities confirmed that five of the deceased have been identified, while efforts continue to determine the identities of the remaining 26.
High-Profile Maoists Eliminated
During a press briefing, Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj stated that Hunga Karma had a bounty of ₹8 lakh on his head and was involved in several attacks against security forces and civilians. Other identified Maoists included:
- Mangu Hemla – Platoon 11 Commander (₹5 lakh reward)
- Subhash Oyam – Indravati National Park Area Committee member (₹5 lakh reward)
- Sannu – Gangalur Area Committee member (₹5 lakh reward)
- Ramesh – National Park Area Committee member (₹2 lakh reward)
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav said the operation was launched based on intelligence reports about senior Maoist leaders’ presence. The encounter lasted eight hours in the dense forested region between Madded and Farsegarh police stations, a known Maoist stronghold. Bloodstains and drag marks indicated that several more insurgents might have been injured or killed but were taken away by their comrades.
Large Cache of Weapons and Explosives Seized
Security forces recovered a significant amount of arms and ammunition from the site, including:
- One AK-47 rifle
- One Self-Loading Rifle (SLR)
- One INSAS rifle
- One .303 and one .315 bore rifle
- One large BGL Rocket Launcher with stand
- Six Barrel Grenade Launchers (BGLs)
Additionally, explosives, Maoist uniforms, literature, medicines, and daily-use items were seized. The recovery highlights the scale of Maoist operations in the region.
Honoring the Fallen Soldiers
Despite the success, the encounter also resulted in the deaths of two security personnel:
- Head Constable Naresh Dhruv – District Reserve Guard (DRG)
- Constable Vasit Ravte – Special Task Force (STF)
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at New Police Lines, Bijapur, attended by Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Dev Gautam, senior CRPF officers, and state police officials. DGP Gautam praised the bravery of the fallen personnel and assured continued counter-insurgency efforts.
Strategic Importance of the Operation
Officials believe this operation is a crucial step in dismantling Maoist control, particularly in the Indravati National Park area. The Bastar region, including seven districts, remains a Maoist stronghold. This year, security forces have killed 81 Maoists in various operations across Chhattisgarh, with 65 encounters occurring in Bastar.
IGP Sundarraj emphasized the mission’s significance: “This operation is a major push to eliminate Maoist influence in Bastar. Our forces will continue efforts to restore peace.”
The Fight Against Maoism Continues
This encounter marks one of the biggest successes against Maoist insurgency in recent years. While security forces celebrate the elimination of high-ranking insurgents, they acknowledge that the fight is ongoing. The government continues to urge Maoists to surrender and integrate into mainstream society through rehabilitation programs. As security operations intensify, the sacrifices of fallen jawans serve as a testament to their commitment to restoring order in the region.
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