RAIPUR: Eight Maoists lost their lives during a confrontation with security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday, confirmed Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav. Security personnel recovered several weapons, including an Insas rifle and BGL (barrel grenade launcher) from the site. "So far, we recovered eight bodies of Maoists which were yet to be identified," the SP told TOI regarding queries about casualties of senior Maoist leadership.
The confrontation began at 8.30 am within the Todko-Korchuli forest area under Gangaloor police jurisdiction when joint security forces were conducting anti-naxalite operations, according to the SP. The search operations continued until evening.
The operation, which started on Friday, involved personnel from District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), 222nd Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 202nd battalion of CoBRA, responding to intelligence about west Bastar division Maoist presence. The security forces recovered eight bodies alongside an Insas rifle, BGL and additional weapons.
The SP indicated additional Maoist casualties and injuries during the exchange, with ongoing search operations in the vicinity.
The current year witnessed 50 Maoist casualties in various encounters across the state. On Jan 21-22, security forces neutralised 16 Maoists in Gairaband district. The previous year saw 219 Naxalites eliminated during various encounters with security forces across the state.