Ten Naxalites slain in encounter that continues for 12 hours in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

Automatic weapons like LMG, AK-47 recovered; Home Minister said – this is a matter of concern
Raipur
In an encounter in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, security forces successfully neutralised 10 Naxalites, including commander Papa Rao. The clash led to the recovery of AK-47s and LMGs. The operation involved multiple security forces and revealed a surge in Naxalite casualties in the region. The number of slain Naxalited might increase as the search operation was on.
The operation led to the recovery of all bodies, including that of Naxalite commander Papa Rao, pending official confirmation. The clash, marked by intermittent firing over 12 hours, resulted in the retrieval of AK-47s and LMGs from the site.
It was revealed that a significant group of Naxalites from the Gangalur Area Committee had taken refuge in the forests of Korcholi and Lendra.
Consequently, a joint operation involving DRG, CRPF, Cobra, Bastar Fighters, Bastariya Battalion, and CAF personnel was launched from Bijapur on Monday night.
Home Minister Vijay Sharma, speaking from Raipur, acknowledged the incident and hinted at a possible increase in the number of casualties among the Naxalites. The presence of sophisticated weapons like LMGs raises questions about their source.
The following day, soldiers engaged with Naxalites in the Gangalur police station area, resulting in a prolonged exchange of fire. While initial skirmishes lasted 45 to 50 minutes, subsequent search operations uncovered the bodies of 8 Naxalites and additional weaponry.
IG Bastar Range Sundarraj P confirmed the ongoing presence of soldiers at the scene, conducting thorough searches. Notably, this encounter brings the total Naxalite casualties in the Bastar region to 37 this year, spanning seven districts, including Bijapur.
Bijapur, a district within the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, is set to cast its votes in the upcoming general elections on April 19. Recent reports indicate a surge in encounters, with 17 Maoists losing their lives in the past week alone, predominantly in Bijapur.
Another fatal confrontation occurred in Sukma, resulting in the demise of a Naxalite. Notably, a prior clash in Basaguda police station area, where soldiers engaged Platoon No. 10 of Naxalites near Talperu river, led to the demise of 6 Naxalites, including a deputy commander. Monetary rewards were announced for the slain Naxalites, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.

Automatic weapons like LMG, AK-47 also recovered; Searching continues in the area
Raipur

8 Naxalites killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

An encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district between security forces and Naxalites led to the death of 8 red rebels. The clash in Gangalur police station area resulted in the recovery of AK-47s, LMGs, and rebel bodies. A search operation was ongoing with official confirmation awaited.
The clash, which took place in the Gangalur police station area, led to the recovery of automatic weapons like AK-47 and LMG, along with the bodies of the deceased rebels. A search operation was underway in the region, although official confirmation is pending. The police had received intelligence about the presence of a significant number of Naxalites from the Gangalur Area Committee in the forests of Korcholi and Lendra. Consequently, a joint operation involving DRG, CRPF, Cobra, Bastar Fighters, Bastariya Battalion, and CAF personnel was launched. The security forces engaged the Naxalites on Tuesday morning, resulting in a 45 to 50-minute exchange of fire. While some Naxalites managed to flee, four were found dead, along with a cache of weapons and other materials.