In two encounters in Sukma and Bijapur districts of Chhattisgarh, a joint team of security forces killed 18 Maoists. These include 11 women. 25 lakh bounty also included in the killed Naxalites. Four soldiers were also injured in the encounter. Security forces have seized a large number of automatic weapons and ammunition from the spot.

Bastar Range Inspector General of Police (IG) Sundarraj P said that 17 Naxalites were killed in Sukma and one in Bijapur. There was information about the presence of Maoists in the forests of Gogunda, Nendum and Upampalli villages of Keralapal in Sukma. After this, a joint team of DRG and 159th Battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) went on an anti-Naxal operation on Friday night. At around 8 am on Saturday, the Naxalites started firing on the soldiers. The soldiers gave a befitting reply and killed 17 Naxalites.

The IG said that three DRG and one CRPF jawan were slightly injured in the encounter. The bodies of 17 Naxalites were recovered. 10 days ago, security forces killed 30 Maoists in two separate encounters in Bijapur and Kanker districts. Bastar region includes seven districts including Sukma.

Will end Naxalism in the stipulated time

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw said, with the bravery and courage with which our security forces are working, we will end Naxalism in the stipulated time.

Budhra involved in Jheeram Ghati attack also killed

The IG said that among the killed Naxalites was Kuhdami Jagdish alias Budhra, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25 lakh and was a member of the special regional committee of the Maoists. Jagdish was wanted in more than a dozen deadly incidents. He was also involved in the 2013 Jhiram Ghati attack, in which several Congress leaders were killed.

Search continues in the entire area
IG Sundarraj said that the search operation is going on in the entire area. A large quantity of weapons and explosives including AK-47 rifle, self-loading rifle (SLR), INSAS rifle, .303 rifle, a rocket launcher and barrel grenade launcher (BGL) have been recovered from the spot.

Change is possible only through peace and development: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, people who have weapons and resort to violence cannot bring change. Change can be brought only through peace and development. He reiterated that the government is committed to end Naxalism before March 31, 2026.

134 Naxalites eliminated in Chhattisgarh so far this year
134 Naxalites have been killed in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Of these, 118 were killed in Bastar division. This year 22 Naxalites have been killed in Sukma district.