12 Maoists Killed, Two Police Officers Died in Bijapur Encounter
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Synopsis
In Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, a fierce encounter led to the death of 12 Maoists, alongside two police officers. This incident occurred ahead of Panchayat elections, marking a significant action in ongoing operations against Maoist activities in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 12 Maoists killed in Bijapur encounter.
- Two police officers lost their lives.
- MI-17 helicopter dispatched for evacuation.
- Operation linked to government pledge against Naxalism.
- 49 Maoists killed in encounters this year in Chhattisgarh.
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh), Feb 9 (NationPress) A total of 12 Maoists were eliminated during a significant clash with law enforcement in Bijapur's National Park area in Chhattisgarh, ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections, as reported by the police on Sunday.
In this encounter, two security personnel lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries. The confrontation occurred close to the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border.
Reports indicate that the engagement between the security forces and Maoists is ongoing. An MI-17 helicopter was dispatched from Jagdalpur for the evacuation of the injured soldiers.
A police officer mentioned, “Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of armed Maoists in the national park area of Bijapur district, a combined team of security forces, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF), embarked on an anti-Maoist operation on Saturday.”
He further noted that the number of deceased Maoists may rise.
This incident follows a week after eight Maoists were killed in another security operation conducted in Bijapur district.
The earlier gunfight that resulted in eight Maoists being killed occurred on January 31 during an anti-Maoist operation by a joint team of security personnel.
These security measures align with the central government's commitment to “eradicate Naxalism” by 2026, a promise reiterated by Home Minister Amit Shah on January 6 following the deaths of eight District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans and one driver, who were victims of an IED explosion orchestrated by Maoists in Bijapur.
The explosion reportedly took place on Bedre-Kutru Road in Bijapur district.
According to the IG, the DRG Dantewada jawans were returning in a Scorpio after a joint operation involving Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Bijapur.
Chhattisgarh Police reports indicate that this year, 49 Maoists have been killed in various encounters across the state, with 33 of those casualties occurring in the Bastar division, which includes Bijapur.
On January 20-21, police reported that 16 Maoists were killed during an encounter with security personnel in the Gariaband district, part of the Raipur division.
Last year, security forces neutralized 219 Maoists through separate encounters in the state, according to police statistics.
