Bijapur, Chhattisgarh – In a significant anti-Maoist operation, security forces killed 12 Naxalites in a fierce gunfight in the dense forests of Bastar’s Bijapur district on Thursday, police confirmed.
The encounter unfolded during an early-morning raid based on specific intelligence about Maoist presence in the area. Security personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), CRPF’s elite CoBRA units, and the 229th CRPF battalion conducted the operation, which resulted in intermittent exchanges of fire.
Bijapur, a district notorious for Maoist activity, is often described as the epicenter of left-wing extremism in south Chhattisgarh. Thursday’s operation marks the second major success in the region this month, following a January 12 encounter in which five Naxalites, including two women, were killed in the Bandepara-Koranjed jungles near Indravati National Park.
A senior police official stated, “Based on credible intelligence, the operation targeted Maoist hideouts in the forest. Initial reports suggest several casualties among the Maoists, and the figure may rise as search operations continue.”
Despite the intense exchange of fire, no injuries were reported among security personnel. The joint forces will confirm the exact number of Maoist casualties after completing their sweep of the area.
This operation highlights the growing efficacy of coordinated efforts between state police and specialized units like CoBRA, known for their expertise in jungle warfare. It also underscores the escalating intensity of anti-Maoist campaigns in the Bastar region.
The region has witnessed a persistent battle against left-wing extremism, with Bijapur often at the center of these conflicts. Thursday’s operation not only delivers a major blow to Maoist groups but also reinforces the resolve of security forces in tackling insurgency in the region.
Further updates are awaited as security teams return from the search operations and assess the impact of this critical encounter.
