A significant anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district has resulted in the elimination of at least 18 Maoists, including a prominent commander. The intense exchange of gunfire occurred in the forest areas bordering Bijapur and Dantewada districts. Security forces engaged the Naxalites during a planned operation, leading to the significant casualties on the rebel side.
Authorities confirmed the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition following the operation. Among the seized items were INSAS and AK-47 rifles, underscoring the Naxalites’ armament. One of the neutralized individuals has been identified as Modiyam Vella, a company commander within the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). Vella was reportedly involved in several deadly attacks, including the 2020 Minpa ambush where 17 security personnel lost their lives, and carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
Tragically, the operation also resulted in the loss of three District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel. Several other DRG members sustained injuries during the fierce encounter. This year, security forces have neutralized a total of 275 Naxalites across Chhattisgarh, with a significant portion in the Bastar region. Despite these successes, 23 security personnel have also been martyred in anti-Naxal operations statewide this year.