Major Blow to Naxalism: 18 Maoists Eliminated in Bijapur

Chhattisgarh witnessed a significant security operation as forces eliminated 18 Naxalites in a fierce encounter in the Bijapur district. The gun battle occurred in the forested terrain bordering Bijapur and Dantewada, following an anti-Naxal operation. Authorities confirmed the recovery of 18 bodies, identifying a key figure as Modiyam Vella, a company commander in the PLGA with an Rs 8 lakh bounty. Vella’s past activities included involvement in the deadly 2020 Minpa ambush. The security forces also seized a large cache of weapons, including sought-after AK-47 and INSAS rifles, and a considerable amount of ammunition. The operation, while a significant success against armed insurgency, resulted in the tragic loss of three DRG personnel and injuries to two others. This year, Chhattisgarh has seen 275 Naxalites neutralized, with security forces also facing casualties, having lost 23 personnel in anti-insurgency efforts.