Was a Woman Maoist Neutralised in Chhattisgarh Encounter?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One female Maoist operative neutralised.
- Ongoing operations indicate potential for further casualties.
- Focus on dismantling Maoist influence in Bastar division.
- Joint operation by DRG and BSF.
- Significant pressure on Maoist leadership.
Raipur, June 20 (NationPress) An active confrontation between security personnel and Maoist insurgents in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh has resulted in the elimination of one female Maoist operative, with indications pointing to the potential for additional losses.
The clash commenced on Friday morning in the thickly wooded hills situated between the villages of Amatola and Kalpar, within the jurisdiction of the Chhotebethiya police station.
Law enforcement officials stated that the focused operation was initiated by the District Reserve Guard due to reliable intelligence reports.
“Upon receiving intelligence regarding the presence of Maoists, a combined police team from the DRG (District Reserve Guard) and BSF (Border Security Force) embarked on a search mission. An encounter subsequently broke out between the joint police team and the Maoists. The remains of one female Maoist in uniform, along with firearms and other materials, were retrieved during the encounter. Sporadic gunfire persists as the search operation continues,” Additional Superintendent of Police Dinesh Sinha informed IANS.
The officer added that more information will be provided once the forces conclude their operation and return from the field.
The operation area borders the Maad region, recognized as a stronghold for Maoists, where insurgents have long taken advantage of the challenging terrain to create a logistical network. This area has remained unstable, witnessing repeated gunfire exchanges over the years between law enforcement and extremist groups. The ongoing offensive is part of a sustained security effort aimed at dismantling Maoist influence within the Bastar division.
According to law enforcement sources, the forces have significantly weakened the insurgent ranks in the Chhotebethiya area, identifying it as a crucial front in the broader anti-Maoist initiative.
This recent operation follows closely after a significant tactical victory on the Chhattisgarh-Andhra Pradesh border, where the Greyhounds Force eliminated three senior Maoist operatives in Maredpalli.
The deceased included Central Committee member Gajarla Ravi, who had a reward of Rs 40 lakh, and Special Zonal Committee member Aruna, the spouse of Maoist leader Chalpati, who had a bounty of Rs 20 lakh.
SP Amit Bardar of Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitaram district confirmed their fatalities, emphasizing the mounting pressure on the group’s leadership structure.
Initial reports suggested that a female Maoist was among those killed on Friday; however, official confirmation is still awaited.
As the operation unfolds, security forces remain active in the forest, persisting in their tactical sweep and encirclement of suspected insurgents.
These consecutive confrontations highlight the aggressive offensive strategy adopted by security agencies against the CPI (Maoist), aiming at both grassroots operatives and high-ranking leaders.