Security forces conducted a significant operation ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the reported deaths of at least 13 Maoists. The encounter occurred in a remote forest area in Bijapur district on Tuesday, lasting approximately eight hours and leaving the region tense in the aftermath.
P. Sundarraj, Inspector General of Police, stated that authorities seized a considerable arsenal of rifles, machine guns, and ammunition during the operation. The identities of the deceased Maoists, including three women, are yet to be confirmed.
According to a police official, initial assessments suggest that the deceased insurgents were associated with the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), particularly belonging to Maoist company no. 2.
The operation, led by the Bijapur District Reserve Guard in coordination with CRPF, STF, and CoBRA teams, aimed to neutralize the Maoist threat in the area. Intelligence had suggested the presence of a prominent Maoist leader, Papa Rao, prompting the operation’s launch.
During the site inspection, security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including an LMG, a .303 bore rifle, a 12 bore rifle, and a notable quantity of BGL shells and launchers.
