Have Three Maoists with Rs 21 Lakh Bounty Been Captured in Sukma?

Raipur, May 31 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district have successfully detained three Maoists, all of whom had a significant bounty placed on their heads.

The individuals, recognized as Dodi Podia, aged 36, Dodi Pandu, aged 18, and Dodi Nandu, aged 28, were apprehended by a joint task force comprising members from the Central Reserve Police Force’s 165th battalion and local police. Their arrest occurred in their home village of Gondpalli, situated within the Jagargunda police station’s jurisdiction, as per police officials.

Officials have associated them with the murder of a Shiksha Doot—a temporary visiting teacher—who was killed in the district last year.

Among the accused, Podia was a member of the platoon party committee, while Pandu was affiliated with the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army’s company number 10. Both had a reward of Rs 8 lakh for their capture, while Nandu, another suspected operative, had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head. The trio is purported to have been involved in the tragic slaying of Shiksha Doot Dodi Arjun on September 13 of last year, in Gondpalli, which is also Arjun’s native village.

Reports suggest that the Maoists viciously assaulted and strangled him, reportedly believing he was a police informant. In another development, security forces recently discovered a stockpile of explosives hidden deep within the forests of Botetong. Acting on intelligence regarding Maoist activity in the region, a coordinated operation was launched by the district force alongside the CoBRA 203 battalion. This initiative resulted in the recovery of a substantial amount of ammunition and explosive materials, according to police officials.

Among the seized items were 15 live Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL) shells, 17 shells without explosives, 78 BGL bodies, 19 BGL heads, bottom covers, 37 tail unit rings, 15 tail unit parts, explosive-free hand grenades, and various components utilized in assembling BGL shells, stated the police.

The operation was initiated following credible reports of Maoists' presence in the area. On Thursday, a joint team mobilized to investigate the intelligence gathered, culminating in the discovery of explosives strategically hidden by the Maoists, intended to target security personnel. This recovery took place in the forested area near Mettaguda camp in Botetong village, as reported by officials.

The successful recovery of these hazardous materials represents a vital advancement in ongoing efforts to diminish Maoist activities and ensure the safety of security forces operating in the region. Authorities remain vigilant, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining stability and security in the impacted areas.