Bijapur Offensive Neutralizes 18 Maoists, Recovers Heavy Arms

Security forces in Chhattisgarh have successfully neutralized 18 Naxalites, including a prominent commander, during a significant encounter in the Bijapur district. The operation unfolded in a dense forest area along the Bijapur-Dantewada district border as part of ongoing anti-Naxal efforts. Officials confirmed that the number of eliminated Maoists rose to 18 after further searches. The deceased included Modiyam Vella, a company commander in the PLGA, known for his involvement in several past ambushes, including the deadly 2020 Minpa incident. Vella was recognized with an Rs 8 lakh bounty. A substantial haul of arms and ammunition, featuring INSAS and AK-47 rifles, was recovered from the encounter site. The operation regrettably led to the martyrdom of three District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and injuries to two others. These operations have been critical, with 275 Naxalites neutralized in the state this year, alongside 23 security personnel casualties.