New Delhi: At least 29 Naxalites, including a top commander, were killed in a major anti-Naxal operation by security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Tuesday in a significant blow to Maoist insurgents. Earlier it was reported that 18 Naxals were killed from the encounter site and their bodies were recovered. However, the death toll is likely to rise as reports suggest that more than 50 Naxalites were present in the area when the encounter took place.
#Update | Dead bodies of 29 Naxals were found in the ongoing encounter between police and Naxalites in the forest area under Chhotebethia Police Station in Kanker district.#Chhattisgarh– ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2024
Joint Operation of BSF, Chhattisgarh Police
A joint operation by District Reserve Force of Chhattisgarh Police and Border Security Force (BSF) unfolded in forest areas under Chhotebethia police station. The operation was meticulously planned after receiving specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of Maoist rebels in the Binagunda area. The BSF, in coordination with the District Reserve Forces, launched an operation to root out the Naxal insurgency.
Chhattisgarh | Bodies of 18 CPI-Maoist cadres neutralized in Kanker encounter recovered: BSF
7 nos AK series rifles and 3 nos light machine guns were recovered from the incident site. During EOF, 1 BSF personnel was a… https://t.co/frdqfG4OxL– ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2024
A fierce exchange of fire is going on
After encountering the Maoist insurgents, the BSF team encountered a heavy exchange of fire, triggering a fierce exchange of fire from both sides. Despite stiff resistance from the CPI-Maoist rebels, the security forces launched an effective counter-attack, resulting in the elimination of 18 rebels, including high-ranking Maoist leader Shankar Rao, who had put a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on their heads. However, an official confirmation on this is awaited.
#Watch | “Dead bodies of 18 naxals recovered from encounter site in Chhotebethia, Kanker. 3 jawans injured in operation. Search operation underway. This is one of the biggest anti-naxal operations in the region. Operation launched after information. The… pic.twitter.com/7YeUxEzoq5– ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2024
Recovery of weapons
The aftermath of the operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of weapons, including seven AK series rifles and three Light Machine Guns (LMG) along with four AK-47 assault rifles recovered from the encounter site. The successful neutralization of the insurgents underscores the significant dent in the Maoist armoury. The security forces dealt a heavy blow to the Naxalites, while two Border Security Force personnel were also injured in the exchange of fire. Fortunately, one of the personnel who was shot in the leg was reported to have escaped unharmed, indicating the resilience and bravery of the security forces in the face of adversity.
The operation continues for now as security forces continue to comb the area for any remaining insurgents or potential threats. The sustained efforts of the security forces underline their determination to eradicate the menace of Naxalism from the region.
Voting days loom
The timing of the operation adds a significant political dimension, just days before polling begins for the Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. The Bastar Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls in the first phase on April 19 and Kankar is scheduled for the second phase on April 26, amid an encounter that underscores the crucial role of security in holding free and fair elections. Naxal insurgency in the region.