Police in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district have successfully identified and neutralized six Maoists, four of whom were women, during a two-day operation. The encounter, which occurred in the forested and hilly terrain under Bhopalpatnam and Farsegarh police station limits, resulted in the recovery of the bodies of the Maoists. Among those neutralized were individuals with significant criminal records and rewards on their heads, totaling Rs 27 lakh.
The Maoists, including DVCM Dilip Bendja, ACM Madvi Kosa, ACM Palo Podiam, ACM Lakhi Madkam, PM Juglo Banjam, and PM Radha Metta, were involved in various criminal activities. Security forces recovered six graded weapons and a range of other materials from the encounter site, emphasizing the success of the operation. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, highlighted the significant reduction in Maoist influence in Bastar due to continuous intelligence-based operations and community cooperation.
Efforts to combat Maoist activities have led to the surrender of many cadres under rehabilitation policies. Inspector General Sundarraj Pattilingam urged remaining members to abandon violence and embrace mainstream development, cautioning that security forces are prepared for necessary action. The joint operation, initiated on January 17, 2026, targeted the National Park Area Committee in-charge DVCM Dilip Bendja and other armed cadres, showcasing the coordinated efforts of various security teams.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav reported that 163 Maoists were eliminated in encounters in 2025, with eight more neutralized in 2026. Operations since January 2024 have resulted in the neutralization of 229 Maoists, the arrest of 1,126 individuals, and the surrender of 876 individuals.
