Raipur, Oct 3 (NationPress) In a significant achievement for security forces tackling Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh, a Maoist cadre with a bounty of Rs 5 lakh was eliminated during a confrontation in the thick forests of Gampur-Purangel under the jurisdiction of Gangaluur police station in Bijapur district.

This operation was carried out collaboratively by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Bijapur and the Special Task Force (STF) after receiving credible intelligence about Maoist activities in the area.

According to Bijapur Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Yadav, the encounter commenced around 11:00 a.m. on October 2 and persisted intermittently throughout the day. In a follow-up search on October 3, security personnel discovered the body of a Maoist identified as Ayatu Podiyam, aged 35, from Gampur, who was an active member of the Gangaluur Area Committee. Podiyam held the title of ACM (Area Committee Member) and had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head.

The search operation also yielded a significant cache of weapons and explosives. The items recovered included: one BGL launcher with three cells, one single-shot gun with three rounds, a walkie-talkie, a tiffin bomb, cardex wire, and a safety fuse, along with Maoist uniforms and other related materials.

Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P., commended the efforts of the security forces and reiterated their dedication to protecting the region. He urged Maoist cadres to abandon violence and stop attacks on innocent civilians and public property.

“The only viable path forward is to embrace peace and reintegration through the government’s rehabilitation policy,” he stated.

This successful operation represents another milestone in the ongoing efforts to dismantle Maoist networks in the Bastar region and restore peace and development in impacted areas. Security forces remain on high alert in the region, with more operations anticipated in the coming days.