Seven Maoists, including two women, were fatally engaged by security forces in an encounter in the Abujhmad region on the Narayanpur-Kanker border in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. A significant quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosives, including an AK-47 rifle, were seized from the site of the encounter, as per a senior police official.
Providing insights into the ongoing confrontation, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) P Sundarraj stated, “A joint operation involving the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) was launched on Monday night against Naxalites. The exchange of fire occurred in the forested area between Tekmeta and Kakur villages at 6:00 am today.”
“The bodies of seven Maoists, including two women insurgents, along with a considerable cache of weapons and explosives, including an AK-47 rifle, were discovered at the scene,” the IG revealed.
He added, “The process of identifying the deceased Maoists is underway, and search operations are ongoing. Further details are awaited.”
In a prior incident on April 17, 29 Naxals were neutralized in an encounter, thwarting their plans for a major operation as part of their Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC).
“Laxman Kewat, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pakhanjur, who led the team, disclosed that based on intelligence regarding the presence of high-profile cadres such as Shankar, Lalita, and Rupi in the Maad area of Kanker district, and their intentions to disrupt the elections, security forces mobilized, resulting in a significant breakthrough in the fight against Naxals,” mentioned the officer.
He further revealed that while the team’s intent was to encourage the Naxals to renounce violence and surrender, they were unexpectedly fired upon. “Last month, we engaged in an encounter with Naxals, resulting in the elimination of the LGS commander in Kanker district and the seizure of an AK-4 rifle,” the officer added, noting the loss of one soldier in the line of duty.