Operation Concludes: 16 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband
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Synopsis
In a significant operation in Gariaband, Chhattisgarh, security forces ended a four-day encounter resulting in the neutralization of 16 Maoists. Authorities recovered numerous weapons and ammunition, while two personnel sustained injuries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the forces, highlighting a major setback to Maoism.
Key Takeaways
- 16 Maoists neutralized in Gariaband
- Operation lasted four days
- Recovery of significant arms and ammunition
- Two security personnel injured
- Home Minister Shah praises effort
Gariaband (Chhattisgarh), Jan 23 (NationPress) Following a four-day extended confrontation involving security personnel in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh, law enforcement has confirmed the conclusion of the operation, resulting in the neutralization of 16 Maoists.
On Wednesday, authorities recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Nikhil Khecha reported that two personnel sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
This operation, executed collaboratively by the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, and Odisha's Special Operations Group (SOG), commenced on Sunday and led to the seizure of various weapons, including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles, and other automatic firearms from the scene.
According to the Chhattisgarh Police, a Maoist with a bounty of Rs 1 crore was also eliminated during the encounter.
Efforts are underway to identify other neutralized Maoists.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the security forces' efforts, describing it as a significant blow to Maoism.
“Another major setback to Maoism. Our security forces achieved notable success in establishing a Maoist-free Bharat. The CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralized 14 Maoists in a combined effort near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our commitment to a Maoist-free India and the joint endeavors of our security forces, Maoism is nearing its end,” Home Minister Shah stated on X.
Earlier on Wednesday, security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh successfully neutralized eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), each weighing five kg.
The IEDs, placed by Maoists, were found during a patrolling mission on the route from Mutvendi to Pidia under Gangalur police station jurisdiction, as per Bijapur Police.
“During a recent area dominance and demining operation, the dedicated Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Bijapur, in conjunction with personnel from BDS Bijapur, 85th and 199th Battalion CRPF, and Cobra 205 and 210, effectively patrolled the area. Their efforts led to the identification and recovery of eight IEDs, each weighing 5 kg, which had been laid by Maoists along the route from Mutvendi to Pidia,” stated Bijapur Police.
Previously, on Monday, two female Naxalites were killed, and a member of the CRPF's elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action was injured during a clash between security forces and Maoists in Gariaband district, according to a police official.
The CoBRA commando's injury was reported to be superficial, he added.
The encounter transpired in a forest under the jurisdiction of Firur police station along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border during an anti-Maoist operation executed by security personnel, according to Gariaband SP.
