Before the Lok Sabha elections, a substantial security operation in Chhattisgarh led to the elimination of 13 Maoists. The intense firefight unfolded in a remote forest area in Bijapur district, lasting about eight hours and leaving the region tense in its aftermath.
Inspector General of Police, P Sundarraj, confirmed the seizure of a considerable cache of weapons, including rifles, machine guns, and ammunition. The identities of the deceased Maoists, including three women, are still pending confirmation.
As per a police official, the operation targeted insurgents associated with the PLGA (People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army) company no. 2 of the Maoists. Executed by the Bijapur District Reserve Guard, alongside CRPF, STF, and CoBRA teams, the operation aimed to neutralize the Maoist threat in the area.
Based on intelligence indicating the presence of the notorious Maoist leader, Papa Rao, security forces initiated the operation. Recovered weapons included an LMG, a .303-bore rifle, a 12-bore rifle, and a significant quantity of BGL shells and launchers.
Bijapur district falls within the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, slated to vote in the first phase of the general elections on April 19.
