Have security forces identified the bodies of Maoists in Chhattisgarh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Raipur/Bijapur, Jan 29 (NationPress) Security forces have successfully identified the remains of two infamous Maoist operatives who were eliminated during a major search operation conducted on Thursday.
The individuals have been recognized as ACM (Area Committee Member) Pradeep alias Joga and Bhima Weko. Their remains were discovered at the encounter site located in the Kawargatta region of South Bijapur in Chhattisgarh. According to police reports, these operatives were part of the Pamed Area Committee and had bounties of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh on their heads, respectively.
Both individuals were implicated in numerous violent activities within the Pamed Area Committee jurisdiction, including the assassination of Bhima Madkam, the former Sarpanch of Kawargatta Gram Panchayat.
During the operation, security forces retrieved an AK-47 rifle, a 9mm pistol, ammunition, explosives, and other materials associated with Naxalite activities from the site.
A comprehensive search initiative is ongoing in the area, with teams from DRG, Bastar Fighters, and CRPF actively participating.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav stated that, acting on precise intelligence regarding the presence of armed Maoists from the Pamed Area Committee within the Kawargatta-Gundrajgudem forest and hilly terrain under the jurisdiction of Pamed police station, the DRG team commenced their search operation on the evening of January 28.
An exchange of gunfire between DRG forces and the Maoists began around 7:00 a.m. on January 29. Following the confrontation, the bodies of the two armed Maoist operatives were recovered during the subsequent search.
Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, highlighted that both operatives were connected to multiple violent acts and civilian murders in the area, including the recent assassination of the former Sarpanch.
Jitendra Kumar Yadav emphasized that ongoing intelligence-driven operations against Maoists in the district have consistently yielded positive results for security forces.
The deceased operatives were active members with bounties placed on them, and operations of this nature will persist with unwavering resolve to promote peace, security, and progress in the district. Sundarraj Pattilingam further stated that ongoing anti-Naxal efforts in the Bastar Range have significantly undermined the Maoist organization, nearing its potential dissolution.
Security forces remain wholly committed to ensuring the safety of local residents. The neutralization of these two operatives, known for their involvement in civilian killings and violence, has granted relief and enhanced security for the local community.
He once again urged remaining operatives to renounce violence, surrender, and reintegrate into mainstream society through the government's rehabilitation initiatives, cautioning that otherwise, security forces stand ready to take robust legal action.
Comprehensive and vigorous search operations by additional teams of DRG, Bastar Fighters, and CRPF continue in the area.