Major Anti-Maoist Operation in Chhattisgarh: 12 Maoists Neutralized, 3 Security Personnel Make Supreme Sacrifice

Three DRG personnel from Bijapur lost their lives during the operation.

Bhopal:

A significant anti-Maoist operation is currently underway in the thick forests of West Bastar Division, along the border between Bijapur and Dantewada districts.

The security forces have thus far recovered bodies of 12 Maoist cadres, as the joint operation that commenced early Wednesday continues to penetrate deep into Maoist strongholds.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated, "Today, our courageous security forces neutralised 12 Maoists during the ongoing anti-Naxal operation in Bijapur district. Extensive search and combing operations continue across the area. During this encounter, Head Constable Monu Waddi, Constable Dukaru Gonde, and Constable Ramesh Sodi of DRG Bijapur made the ultimate sacrifice. I offer my humble tribute to these valiant soldiers."

"I pray for divine strength for the grieving families to endure this immeasurable loss and for peace to the departed souls. The two other soldiers injured in the encounter are no longer in danger. Appropriate arrangements have been made for their treatment. I wish them a swift and complete recovery. The sacrifice of our soldiers will not be in vain. This bravery and successful operation by our soldiers clearly indicates that the end of Red Terror is now very near. Our government and security forces remain steadfastly committed to the complete eradication of Maoism. Our campaign will persist until peace, security, and development reach every village in Bastar," he added.

Bijapur SP Dr Jitendra Yadav confirmed that teams from DRG Bijapur-Dantewada, STF, CRPF, and CoBRA were conducting a coordinated search when they encountered heavy Naxal fire around 9 am. The gunfire continued intermittently for hours, with security forces executing an aggressive counter-offensive.

Bastar Range IG Sundarraj P mentioned that weapons recovered from the encounter site include SLR rifles, INSAS rifles, and .303 rifles, along with additional arms and ammunition. The identities of the deceased Maoists remain to be established.

The fierce encounter has, however, resulted in significant casualties among the forces. Three DRG personnel from Bijapur were killed during the operation: Head Constable Monu Wadadi, Constable Dukaru Gonde, and Jawan Ramesh Sodi.

Two other DRG personnel sustained injuries, though officials confirmed they are out of danger following prompt medical attention.

SP Dr Yadav indicated that ongoing search operations continue in the area. "Additional reinforcement teams have arrived. The force strength is sufficient, the entire zone has been cordoned off, and the search is being intensified," he stated.

Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma, responding to the developments, said, "The search operation was being conducted since morning by the STF, CoBRA Battalion, and DRG. It is deeply saddening that our DRG jawans have been martyred. Our forces are consistently achieving success in anti-Naxal missions, and today's action marks a major strike against Maoist groups."

With reinforcements deployed and the area secured, security forces continue combing the forest for remaining Maoist cadres.