Major Encounter in Bijapur: Maoist Deputy Commander with ₹8 Lakh Bounty Killed, Arms and Explosives Recovered
Raipur. Security forces achieved a major success in an anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. During an encounter in the National Park area, a high-ranking Maoist leader, Sodhi Kanna, carrying a reward of ₹8 lakh, was killed. A .303 rifle, a large cache of explosives, and other Maoist-related materials were recovered from the site.
How the Operation Unfolded
Based on credible intelligence inputs about Maoist movement in the National Park region, security agencies learned that Telangana State Committee, National Park Area Committee, PLGA Battalion No. 01, and other armed Maoist units were active.
A joint search operation was launched on July 4, 2025, involving personnel from DRG Bijapur, DRG Dantewada, STF, CoBRA 202 & 210 battalions, CRPF’s Young Platoon, and other forces. Intermittent encounters continued over several days. During a search operation on Monday, the body of an armed Maoist in uniform was recovered, later identified as Sodhi Kanna.
Who Was Sodhi Kanna?
Sodhi Kanna was the Deputy Commander of Company No. 02 of PLGA Battalion No. 01. The Chhattisgarh Government had announced a ₹8 lakh bounty on him. He was involved in several major Maoist attacks in the Tekalgudem region, including the notorious Dharmaram camp assault. He was also a close associate of top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma and served as a sniper in the battalion. His death is considered a major blow to the Maoists’ sniper capabilities.
Items Recovered from the Encounter Site
- One .303 rifle with 5 live rounds
- One AK-47 magazine with 59 live rounds
- One Maoist uniform set
- Codex wire, safety fuse, detonators
- Maoist backpacks, literature, radio, and daily utility items
Impact of the Ongoing Operations
According to Bastar Range Police, strategic and sustained anti-Maoist operations have continued through 2025, following decisive gains in 2024. In the past 18 months, security forces have recovered the bodies of 415 hardcore Maoists.
Despite heavy rains, dense forests, rough terrain, and harsh weather conditions, forces such as the DRG, STF, CoBRA, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CAF, and Bastar Fighters remain actively deployed on the frontlines.
