In a significant breakthrough, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district killed five Naxalites, including two women cadres, in an intense encounter in the forests of Bandepara and Koranjed on January 12. These Naxalites, active in the West Bastar division, collectively carried bounties amounting to ₹15 lakh, police confirmed on Monday.
The deceased were identified as Rainu Hemla, commander of DVCM Platoon 2 (₹8 lakh bounty); Jyoti Tati of Platoon 11 PPCM (₹5 lakh bounty); Ramesh Echaam, militia platoon commander (₹1 lakh bounty); and Ramesh Miccha, militia platoon member (₹20,000 bounty). The identity of the fifth Naxalite is yet to be confirmed.
The encounter began at 8 a.m. and lasted until 4 p.m. Police recovered weapons, including an SLR, a BGL launcher, two 12-bore guns, a single-shot rifle, and a country-made Bharmar gun. Explosives, ammunition, medicines, and other Naxal materials were also seized.
Bastar IG Sundarraj P highlighted ongoing anti-Naxal operations in the region, noting that 13 hardcore Naxalites have been neutralized in recent days. “Despite Naxal efforts to counter our moves, security forces remain committed to ensuring peace and safety,” he stated.
This operation follows another search mission conducted by the DRG Bijapur team on January 11, targeting Maoists from the National Park Area Committee, leading to this decisive encounter.
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