In a span of 48 hours, three villagers in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district were allegedly killed by Maoists, accused of being police informers, officials reported on Monday. Police have confirmed one death and dispatched teams to verify the other two incidents.
The first victim, Mukesh Hemla, 32, a petty contractor from Kammaknar village, was abducted from a local market on Sunday. His body was later found near Reddy Talab, bearing fatal injuries inflicted with knives and axes. A pamphlet left at the scene by the Gangloor Area Committee of Maoists accused him of collaborating with the police. Hemla was reportedly constructing an Anganwadi center in the village.
In another incident on Saturday, two members of a family in Korcholi village were allegedly killed in a Maoist-led jan-adalat (kangaroo court) for the same allegations. Fearful of reprisals, the family cremated the bodies on Sunday before police could confirm details.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), Sunderaj P, stated that the Maoists’ actions reflect desperation as they attempt to regain lost ground in the Bastar region. “This wave of civilian killings, including women and students, is a sign of their weakening influence,” he remarked, pledging a strong response to these acts of violence.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities aim to curb the rise in civilian killings in the region.