Raipur, Sep 27 (NationPress) In a series of well-coordinated anti-Naxal operations, security forces in Bijapur district have successfully apprehended four Maoist operatives, which includes two high-ranking individuals, and have confiscated a substantial cache of illegal weapons. This operation represents a significant setback for insurgent networks in southern Chhattisgarh.

The initial operation involved a joint team from Pamed Police Station and the 228 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who detained two members of the Jan Militia during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Polampalli area. The suspects, Vanjam Hunga (35) and Sodhi Nande (33), both hailing from the Muria tribal community in Polampalli village, attempted to evade capture upon noticing the patrol team but were quickly apprehended.

Officials confirmed that both individuals were active participants in the Jan Militia under the Polampalli Revolutionary People's Committee (RPC), which is associated with the banned CPI (Maoist). Their questioning led to the discovery of six Bharmar guns—traditional muzzle-loading firearms—concealed within the Padalu forest.

Preliminary assessments indicate the weapons were meant for Maoist cadres in the area. “This seizure marks a pivotal success in disrupting Maoist logistics and identifying local support systems,” stated a senior CRPF official.

Legal actions have been initiated under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with both suspects placed in judicial custody.

In a separate operation on September 25, a collaborative effort by DRG Bijapur, Basaguda Police Station, and the COBRA 210 Battalion led to the arrest of Mallaish Kunjam, a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) of the Jagargunda Area Committee, from the forests of Polampalli. Kunjam, 40, was wanted with a bounty of Rs 8 lakh and faces numerous charges, including involvement in the June 2023 IED blast and gunfire directed at police in Gaganpalli and Murkipad. He has six outstanding warrants and is implicated in various cases across Tarrem, Pamed, Usur, and Awapalli.

Moreover, police teams from Jangla and Bhairamgarh apprehended Anil Veko (32), the President of Biriyabhumi RPC, in Darmer village. Veko, also part of the Muria community, was wanted with a reward of Rs 1 lakh and is linked to several violent incidents, including IED blasts, murder, and election-related assaults.

Both individuals have been presented before the court and placed under judicial remand. These arrests highlight the intensified efforts to combat Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh, aligning with the national initiative to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by 2026. Security forces are persistently conducting operations across Bijapur to foster enduring peace and community safety.