Two High-Value Maoists Eliminated in Bijapur Encounter: Each Had Rs 5 Lakh Bounty
Synopsis
In a significant breakthrough, two Maoist operatives with a total bounty of Rs 10 lakh were killed in Bijapur, disrupting local leadership. The encounter also revealed a cache of weapons, indicating ongoing security challenges in the region.
Key Takeaways
Two Maoists with a combined bounty of Rs 10 lakh were killed.
The encounter took place in the Bijapur district near the Indravati River.
Significant weapons and explosives were recovered from the site.
This operation disrupts the Maoist leadership in the region.
Former insurgents are increasingly opting for mainstream life, signaling a potential change in dynamics.
Raipur/Bijapur, February 26 (NationPress) In a substantial achievement for law enforcement in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, two prominent Maoist operatives with a collective bounty of Rs 10 lakh were eliminated during a confrontation in the Indravati River vicinity of Bijapur district on Thursday.
The individuals have been preliminarily identified as Hichami Madda and Manki Podium, both serving as Area Committee Members for the Bhairamgarh faction, each carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh.
This operation significantly undermines the local Maoist command structure in this crucial section along the Indravati River.
From the encounter site, authorities confiscated an array of weaponry including one SLR rifle with three magazines and 55 rounds, one INSAS rifle with three magazines and 19 rounds, one 12-bore shotgun with two shells, two hand grenades, two indigenous grenades, detonators, scanner batteries, mechanisms, medical supplies, pouches, and various other materials associated with Naxal activities.
The seized arsenal highlights the group's ongoing dependence on a blend of looted service rifles, home-made arms, and improvised explosives for their operations within the region.
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav stated that forces moved into the area following accurate intelligence on the presence of armed members from the Bhairamgarh Area Committee in the Jagur-Dodum region, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Jangal police station.
A District Reserve Guard (DRG) unit initiated a search operation on the evening of February 25, with the engagement intensifying early the following morning, resulting in ongoing exchanges of fire starting at around 6 a.m.
Security personnel from the DRG, Bastar Fighters, STF, CoBRA, and CRPF confronted the Maoists in the challenging riverine and forested landscape.
Once the shooting ceased, search teams located the bodies of the two armed Maoist operatives at the site of the encounter.
Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattalingam, remarked that this operation sends a broader message to the remaining Maoist factions. He noted the increasing number of former insurgents—including Barse Deva, Rupesh, Ranita, Rajman, Raju Salam, Devji, Sangram, Bhupati, and Venkatesh—who have renounced violence and reintegrated into society, encouraging others to abandon armed conflict as well, emphasizing that there is no future in violence.
Point of View
This encounter represents a critical step forward in addressing the Maoist insurgency in India. The successful operation highlights the efficacy of intelligence-driven actions by security forces, and it signals a potential shift in the dynamics of local Maoist operations. However, ongoing challenges remain as security forces continue to engage with armed groups in difficult terrains.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the encounter in Bijapur?
Two high-value Maoist operatives were killed, each with a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, disrupting the Maoist leadership in the area.
What weapons were recovered from the site?
The forces recovered an SLR rifle, INSAS rifle, a 12-bore gun, hand grenades, detonators, and other materials related to Naxalite activities.
Who were the identified Maoists?
The Maoists have been identified as Hichami Madda and Manki Podium, both Area Committee Members of the Bhairamgarh unit.
What prompted the security forces to engage in this area?
The operation was initiated following precise intelligence regarding armed members of the Bhairamgarh Area Committee being present in the region.
What message does this encounter send to remaining Maoists?
It indicates that there is no future in armed struggle, as many former insurgents have returned to mainstream society.
