What Happened in Bijapur? 18 Maoists Killed, 3 Security Personnel Sacrificed
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 18 Naxalites neutralized in Bijapur encounter.
- Joint forces conducted a successful anti-Naxal operation.
- Tragic loss of 3 security personnel during the clash.
- Identification of deceased Naxalites is underway.
- Operations continue to locate any remaining militants.
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh), Dec 4 (NationPress) In a significant setback to the Maoist insurgency in the Bastar region this year, security forces have successfully neutralized 18 Naxalites during a fierce clash in the dense Keshkutul forests of Bijapur district.
The initial toll reported was 12, but after comprehensive combing operations conducted on Thursday morning, six additional bodies were retrieved from the encounter site.
The violent confrontation began on Wednesday when a coordinated team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), CoBRA commandos of the CRPF, and local police launched an anti-Naxal operation based on specific intelligence in the area under the jurisdiction of the Gangaloor police station.
Naxalites from the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Company No 2, belonging to the Bhairamgarh and Gangaloor Area Committees, opened heavy fire on the advancing security forces, leading to a prolonged and intense exchange that lasted for several hours.
Despite being outnumbered and facing automatic weapons and IED threats, the security personnel retaliated effectively, eliminating 18 Maoists on the spot.
All bodies, along with a significant cache of weapons and explosives, have been recovered.
The identification process of the deceased Naxalites is currently underway, and Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Singh Meena has stated that the names and ranks will be disclosed upon completion of this process.
Extensive search operations continue in the nearby forests to capture any fleeing militants.
In a tragic turn of events, three valiant personnel made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Head Constable Monu Mohan Baddi, Constable Dukaru Gonde (posthumously promoted to Head Constable), and Jawan Ramesh Sodi of the District Reserve Guard displayed remarkable courage.
Their remains were transported to Bijapur headquarters on Thursday, where heartfelt tributes were paid at the Police Line Shaheed Vatika along the Bijapur-Gangaloor road.
Senior officers, fellow jawans, and local citizens paid floral tributes and observed a two-minute silence in memory of the martyrs.
This successful operation represents yet another significant achievement for the Chhattisgarh Police and central forces in their ongoing campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the region.