Did Maoists Execute Two Villagers in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur?

Bijapur, July 21 (NationPress) In a disturbing escalation of targeted violence, Maoists have gruesomely murdered two villagers last week in the Tarrem police station area of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, according to officials on Monday.

The deceased, identified as Kawasi Joga (55) from Chutwai village and Mangalu Kursam (50) from Bada Tarrem, were allegedly taken from their homes by a group of four to five armed Maoists and killed using sharp weapons.

The Jagargunda Committee of Maoists has taken responsibility for this heinous act.

Currently, the police have not disclosed further details as investigations are ongoing.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Kursam's son, Nandu, had recently surrendered to the police; thus, the attackers may have aimed to target him. In his absence, they reportedly executed his father instead.

This incident has ignited significant fear and outrage among the local populace, prompting police to bolster their presence and enhance patrols in the area.

This double homicide marks the 10th killing in Bijapur within merely 25 days, with all victims suspected of being police informers.

The fatalities include six villagers, two students, and two 'Shiksha Doot' (temporary visiting teachers).

Bastar, which incorporates Bijapur, has long been recognized as a center for Maoist insurgency.

The recent wave of violence began on June 17, when Maoists strangled three villagers in Peddakorma village.

Among the deceased were a 13-year-old student, Anil Madvi, a college entrant, Soma Modiyam (20), and another young man.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that around 70 to 80 armed Maoists invaded the village, abducting over 10 boys and releasing them after severe mistreatment.

The victims were relatives of surrendered DVCM cadre Dinesh Modiyam, whom the Maoists accused of treachery and financial misconduct.

Following closely on June 22, two more villagers, Samaiya, a former Maoist who had surrendered earlier this year, and Veko Deva, were killed in the Pamed police station area.

Both hailed from the Maoist-affected villages of Sendrabor and Empur.

The killings signify a troubling shift in Maoist tactics, now targeting not only informers but also surrendered cadres and their families.

Official records state that Maoists have claimed the lives of 1,821 individuals in Bastar over the last 25 years, inclusive of civilians and public representatives.

Security forces are actively investigating and monitoring the situation, while civil society voices caution that such acts jeopardize peace-building efforts in the region.