Major Blow to Maoists in Bijapur Forest Encounter
In a significant counter-insurgency operation, security forces eliminated six Maoists during an intense gunfight that lasted several hours in the dense forests of Bijapur district on Tuesday. The encounter took place in the Taralagud area of Annaram forests within Indravati National Park, marking another successful strike against left-wing extremism in the Bastar region.
Operation Details and Recovery
The firefight began at approximately 10 am and continued with intermittent exchanges until 5:30 PM, according to official statements. Security personnel from multiple elite units including the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Bijapur, DRG Dantewada and the Special Task Force (STF) participated in the operation that was launched based on specific intelligence about Maoist presence in the area.
When the firing subsided in the evening, security forces conducted a thorough search of the encounter site that led to the recovery of six Maoist bodies along with a substantial cache of weapons and explosives. The seized items included:
- Automatic INSAS rifles
- Sten guns
- .303 rifle
- Various small arms
- Explosives and detonators
- Maoist paraphernalia
One injured Maoist was apprehended from the site and is currently receiving medical treatment while in custody.
Official Reactions and Strategic Impact
Bastar range IG P Sundarraj described the operation's outcome as "a decisive and significant gain" for security forces. He emphasized that the success comes at a time when the Maoist organization has been weakened, facing leadership vacuum, directionless operations and low morale among cadres.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai responded to the development stating: "The campaign against red terror is ongoing; Naxalism is coming to an end. Killing of six Maoists is a major success for our security personnel in the direction of eradicating red terror, and I salute their courage."
Additional forces including DRG, STF, Bastar fighters and CRPF teams have been deployed to neighboring areas to intercept any fleeing Maoist cadres and prevent regrouping.
The encounter area remains active with search and clearance operations continuing as security personnel maintain high alert. Police officials indicated that further details about the operation will be disclosed once the mission concludes completely, citing safety concerns for the engaged troops.
According to statistics provided by Bastar IG, 230 Maoists have been killed in Bastar division this year alone, while over 1300 cadres have surrendered, indicating significant progress in the fight against left-wing extremism in the region comprising seven districts.
