In a significant operation in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, security forces have successfully neutralized six Maoists, with four of them being women cadres. The joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG), COBRA, and Special Task Force (STF) carried out the operation, dealing a blow to Maoist activities in the region. Among the Maoists killed were identified as commander DVCM Dilip Bedja, ACM Madvi Kosa, woman ACM Lakhi Madkam, and party member Radha.
Officials have confirmed that Dilip Bedja, a notorious commander, had been actively involved in violent campaigns against the state in the Indravati Reserve and National Park areas. Despite being given a chance to surrender, Bedja refused, leading to his neutralization. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma mentioned that with Bedja’s elimination, the National Park area is now almost free of Maoist presence.
The encounter also resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles, and six grenades. Authorities believe that the Maoists were gearing up for a major offensive, highlighting the significance of the intelligence-led operation. Intermittent firing between security forces and Maoists persisted throughout the day in the dense forest terrain, posing challenges that were overcome by the exemplary courage and strategy of the forces.
Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, commended the discipline and efficiency of the DRG, COBRA, and STF personnel for their bravery in the operation. The successful mission is expected to weaken Maoist influence significantly in Bijapur, a district known as a Maoist stronghold. Security forces are maintaining vigilance through search operations to secure the area fully and prevent any potential regrouping of Maoist cadres.
