An intense encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district has resulted in the elimination of at least 18 Naxalites by security forces. The operation, which began as an anti-Naxal offensive in the forested border region of Bijapur and Dantewada districts, escalated into a significant clash. Initially, 12 Maoists were reported killed, but authorities later confirmed the recovery of six additional bodies, bringing the total to 18. Among the neutralized insurgents was Modiyam Vella, a company commander within the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), known for his involvement in numerous deadly attacks, including the 2020 Minpa ambush that cost the lives of 17 security personnel. Vella carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh. The security forces also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles. Tragically, the operation also claimed the lives of three District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and left two others injured. This year alone, security forces have neutralized 275 Naxalites across Chhattisgarh, with 246 in the Bastar region. However, 23 security personnel have also made the ultimate sacrifice in anti-Naxal operations statewide.
