Maoist Leader Renuka, With a Bounty of Rs 5 Lakh, Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
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Synopsis
On March 31, Renuka, also known as Banu, a key member of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), was killed in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. Security forces recovered her body, weapons, and ammunition during the encounter.
Key Takeaways
- Renuka was a prominent Maoist leader with a Rs 5 lakh bounty.
- The encounter occurred in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
- Security forces seized an INSAS rifle and ammunition.
- The operation involved multiple police stations and border village areas.
- A total of 119 Maoist bodies have been recovered since January.
Raipur, March 31 (NationPress) Renuka, who was also referred to as Banu, Chaitey, and Saraswati, was a significant figure in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, a faction of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist). She was fatally shot during an encounter on Monday in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
Her remains were discovered in the morning and subsequently confirmed by security personnel.
Renuka, hailing from Kadvendi in the Warangal district, held a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on her head due to her role as the press team lead in the Dandakaranya Special Zone.
From the site of the encounter, security forces seized an INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle, ammunition, and additional weaponry.
The operation commenced on Monday, led by a team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in areas under the jurisdiction of the Geedam police station in Dantewada district and Bhairamgarh police station in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The operation also reached border villages including Nelgoda, Akeli, and Belnar.
As per police reports, gunfire between the Maoists and security forces began at 9 a.m. and continued as this report was being compiled.
During the operation, the body of a female Maoist, accompanied by weapons, ammunition, and personal items, was recovered in the morning, later identified as Renuka. Ongoing encounter and search operations are being conducted in the vicinity.
In two distinct encounters on Saturday, at least 18 suspected Maoists were killed, while four security personnel were injured in the districts of Sukma and Bijapur in Chhattisgarh. According to the Inspector General (IG), three of the injured were from DRG Sukma, and one was from the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). All injured personnel are currently reported to be in stable condition.
In Bijapur, a Maoist was shot dead in the Narsapur jungles on Saturday evening. Security forces retrieved the body and weapons, although the identification of the deceased Maoist remains unverified. In Sukma, an encounter took place on Saturday morning following intelligence indicating Maoist presence in the Gogunda, Nendum, and Upampalli regions under the Kerlapal police station. A joint team from DRG Sukma and CRPF was deployed on Friday for an anti-Maoist operation, culminating in the Saturday morning skirmish.
Officials noted that since January, a total of 119 Maoist bodies have been recovered in various encounters across the Bastar region, according to reports.
