Two Maoists lay dead after a high-stakes showdown with security forces in Bijapur’s Indravati River zone, as part of Chhattisgarh’s relentless drive against left-wing extremism. The Thursday encounter not only eliminated key insurgents but also unearthed a deadly stockpile of arms and ammunition.
Intelligence about Maoist movements prompted a multi-agency team to scour the remote, riverine forests. What began as a routine search turned into a fierce gunbattle when rebels opened fire, forcing troops to retaliate decisively.
Bijapur Police Chief Jitendra Yadav reported the discovery of two rebel corpses clad in uniforms, alongside an impressive weapons recovery: SLR rifles, INSAS firearms, 12-bore shotguns, plus a trove of explosives and rebel gear. ‘Further searches are ongoing to neutralize any lingering threats,’ he affirmed.
Bastar IG Sundarraj Pattingal emphasized the operation’s role in disrupting Maoist logistics, promising a comprehensive briefing once the area is secured. Such precision strikes are eroding the rebels’ hold on Bastar’s heartland.
Adding to the crackdown, Dantewada court jailed two Maoists—Hunga alias Guttam Sodi and Joga Kudami—for five years of hard labor and fined them Rs 5,000 each. Nabbed in Sukma with tiffin bombs and detonators, they faced charges under stringent security and explosives statutes.
Judicial scrutiny of witness testimonies and seized evidence led to their conviction under the 1908 Explosives Act. Non-payment of fines invites six more months behind bars. This dual triumph—on the battlefield and in the courtroom—exemplifies Chhattisgarh’s multi-pronged strategy to pacify Naxal-affected districts.