Raipur: In a significant operation conducted two days ago, security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district successfully neutralized six Naxalites, who were notorious cadres carrying a combined bounty of Rs 38 lakh, according to police sources.
This operation marks a major blow to the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) company no. 6, a crucial unit within the Naxalite organization, and has instilled a sense of fear among Naxalites in the east Bastar division, their stronghold, as stated by the police on Saturday.
The encounter occurred near Gobel and Thulthuli villages under the jurisdiction of the Orcha police station on Friday. Initially reported as seven casualties among the Naxalites, the toll was later revised to six, including three women.
The deceased individuals were affiliated with the military company number 6 of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and the east Bastar division formations of the proscribed Communist Party of India (Maoist), confirmed a police official.
The operation, coordinated by multiple teams of security personnel, was launched late on June 6 based on intelligence regarding the presence of Maoists from PLGA military company no. 6 and east Bastar division formations, stated Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P at a press briefing on Saturday.
The operation involved personnel from the police's District Reserve Guard across four districts, the 45th battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the 95th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), he added.
The encounter began around 3 pm on Friday when Naxalites initiated gunfire on security personnel in the forest near Bhatbeda-Battekal and Chhotetondebeda villages. The exchange of fire lasted for an extended duration, with the Naxalites eventually retreating into the dense forest, Sundarraj elaborated.
During subsequent searches of the area, the bodies of six Naxalites, along with firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other incriminating items, were recovered from different locations. Among the seized items were two .303 rifles, one .315 bore rifle, 10 BGL (barrel grenade launcher) shells, one SLR magazine, and a cooker bomb, among others.
The fallen ultras were identified as Masiya alias Mesiya Mandavi (32), Ramesh Korram (29), Sanni alias Sundari, Sajanti Poyam, Jailal Salaam, and Janani alias Janni (28), each carrying various bounties on their heads, the IG disclosed.
Additionally, three security personnel sustained injuries during the operation and were evacuated to Raipur for medical treatment.
This operation represents a significant setback to the Naxalites, particularly in the Bayanar area committee and Aamdai area committee, fostering an environment of apprehension among their ranks, Sundarraj emphasized.
In the aftermath of the operation, the Naxalite leadership active in the border areas has reportedly begun blaming villagers and lower cadres, further illustrating the impact of the security forces' action.
Authorities in the Bastar division underscored their commitment to safeguarding the region's residents from Maoist influence and urged Naxalites to renounce violence and integrate into mainstream society.
Throughout the year, security forces have achieved notable success against Naxalite groups in the Bastar division, with a total of 123 Naxalites eliminated, 136 firearms recovered, and 339 surrenders recorded across 71 encounters, police reported.
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