Image for representational purpose, showing a now demolished Maoist structure erected in Bastar
Bijapur/Sukma: In a major success, security forces have taken control of a Maoist training camp in the core area of PLGA Battalion No. 01 in the dense forests of Bhattiguda, Bijapur district.
The camp was left abandoned by the Maoists, who fled during the search operation carried out by the forces. The joint operation was carried out by CoBRA units 201, 204, and 210.
Security personnel on Tuesday, January 21 stormed into the said camps and demolished the Maoist martyr memorial. The training camp had tall trees prepared for training purposes, trenches, and various other resources. It also housed permanent barracks and huts used by the Maoists.
Officials have called the operation a major blow to Maoist activities in the region and a step towards dismantling their infrastructure.
Meanwhile a joint team of 203 Cobra Battalion and 131 Battalion CRPF recovered a huge stock of explosive material and weapon manufacturing equipment in the forest area between Metagudem and Duler villages in Chhattisgarh, during an anti-Maoist operation on Wednesday, January 22.
The recovered armory included 21 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) packed in soap cases, multiple barrel grenade launcher (BGL) bombs, a generator set, lathe machine accessories, a large quantity of explosive-making material, gun manufacturing equipment and essential medical supplies. Each recovered IED weighed around 250 grams, as per an official release.
“The operation, which was launched in the wee hours of Wednesday, involved coordinated action by multiple strike teams of both the battalions. 5 teams of 203 Cobra along with A and D Companies of 131 Battalion CRPF launched a massive search operation after receiving intelligence inputs about Maoist presence in the area. At around 3:00 PM, the search team discovered a cave hideout about 1.5 km from Metagudem village,” the release read.
Earlier in the day, Security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district successfully neutralised eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) weighing five kilograms each.
The IEDs, planted by Maoists, were discovered during a patrolling operation on the road from Mutvendi to Pidia under Gangalur police station limits, according to Bijapur Police.
A dedicated team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Bijapur, along with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other units, conducted the operation. They safely destroyed the IEDs, enhancing the safety and security of the area.
“During a recent area domination and demining operation, the dedicated Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Bijapur, along with personnel from BDS Bijapur, 85th and 199th Battalion CRPF, and Cobra 205 and 210, effectively conducted patrolling in the region. Their efforts led to the discovery and recovery of eight IEDs, each weighing 5 kg, which had been planted by Maoists along the route from Mutvendi to Pidia,” said Bijapur Police.
This come amidst a separate team of security personnel returned to their bases following completion of a four-day operation near Odisha border on Wednesday.
“The operation is over. 16 Naxalites have been killed in the encounter. We have recovered a large number of arms and ammunition. We are identifying the naxals neutralised, informed Gariaband Superintendent of Police, Nikhil Khecha.
“Two of our personnel have also sustained injuries in the attack. They are currently being treated,” he added.
The operation, carried out jointly by the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, and Odisha’s Special Operations Group (SOG) started on Sunday, and led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles, and other automatic weapons from the site.
As per Chhattisgarh Police, a top Maoist cadre identified as Chalpati alias Jairam carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore was also killed in the encounter. He was said to be the in-charge of CPI (Maoist) Koraput division. Meanwhile, efforts are on to ascertain the identities of other Maoists killed in the encounter.
Hailing it a major success, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday lauded the efforts of the security forces “Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today,” said Union Home Minister Shah on X.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday too reaffirmed the state’s strong stance in eradicating Maoism, describing it as cancer to society.
Speaking to ANI on the recent encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband where bodies of 16 naxals were recovered following an encounter with the security forces, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of the security forces and their success in dealing with the Maoist threat, emphasising the government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism in the state. (With Inputs from Agencies)
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