In a decisive operation, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district have neutralized 18 Naxalites, marking a significant victory against Maoist insurgency. The fierce exchange took place in the forest areas along the Bijapur-Dantewada district border during an anti-Naxal operation. The total number of insurgents eliminated was confirmed at 18, with authorities recovering a significant amount of weaponry, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles. A key figure among the neutralized was Modiyam Vella, identified as a company commander in the PLGA with a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Vella was implicated in past attacks, including the fatal 2020 Minpa ambush. While the operation dealt a severe blow to the Naxal network, it resulted in the tragic loss of three District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and injuries to two others. The state has seen 275 Naxalites neutralized this year, with security forces also unfortunately losing 23 personnel in ongoing anti-insurgency efforts.
