A big anti-naxal operation has been launched once again against the Naxalites in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. So far, the security forces have killed 9 Naxalites in this operation. During the search, a fierce encounter started between the Naxalites and the soldiers from 10.30 am. After the encounter, the search operation of the soldiers is still going on. So far, the bodies of 9 Naxalites including two women have been recovered. The soldiers have recovered one SLR, one 303 and 315 rifles and guns from the spot.
Officials said that intelligence was received about the presence of Maoists in the area. Based on this, the operation was launched. Police said that the encounter has been going on since around 10:30 am. Security forces said that the Maoists were firing intermittently. After this, the bodies of 9 Naxalites killed in the encounter were recovered. All of them were wearing uniforms. They said that a large quantity of weapons have also been recovered from the spot.
Bastar IG P. Sundararaj has confirmed this information. He said that a joint party of DRG and CRPF is fighting the Maoists of the West Bastar Division Committee of Naxalites on the border area of Dantewada and Bijapur. Dantewada SP Gaurav Roy said that all the soldiers involved in the operation are completely safe. However, it is believed that the number of Naxalites killed may increase further, so the search is still on. Seven districts including Dantewada and Bijapur come under Bastar region. Police said that with this encounter, security forces have killed 154 Naxalites in various encounters in Chhattisgarh so far this year.
Giving information, the police said that 13 Naxalites have been arrested from Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. Police said that these people have been caught from two different places. 7 people were arrested from Gangalur police station on Sunday while 6 Naxalites were arrested on Monday from Tarrem police station area. Teams of DRG, STF, Cobra’s 202nd battalion and CRPF have jointly carried out this arrest.
Security forces said that all the naxalites caught are men. Their age is stated to be between 20 years to 55 years. Various items like detonators, electric wires, iron forks, bows and arrows, batteries have been recovered from them. Along with this, Maoist pamphlets and propaganda material have also been recovered from them. More than 600 naxalites have been arrested this year in Bastar division which has seven districts including Bijapur.
