Fourteen Maoists, including six women, have been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. The clash, which began on January 19, continues in the dense forests of Bhalu-Diggi in Kulhari Ghat.
The bodies of all the deceased Maoists have been recovered. Police sources confirmed that the operation is still underway as forces search the area.
Raipur Inspector General of Police, Amresh Kumar Mishra, stated that security forces were deployed after intelligence reports confirmed Maoist activity in the area. Over the past two days, the operation led to the death of 14 insurgents, and significant weapons were recovered, including an INSAS rifle, SLR, revolver, and several cartridges.
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The joint operation involves Chhattisgarh and Odisha security personnel, including Odisha Police’s Operation Group E30, the CRPF’s 207th CoBRA battalion, and the CRPF’s 65th and 211th battalions, along with SOG Nuapada. The forces are conducting a meticulous search as intermittent firing continues between the two sides.
Official sources estimate more than 50 Maoists are present in the region, and the search operation will continue until the area is cleared.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces for their successful operation, commending their bravery and marking this as a significant step in the ongoing fight against Maoist insurgents in the region.
This latest encounter follows a similar success on January 16, when 17 Maoists were killed in Bijapur district. Security forces continue to gain ground in their efforts to curb Maoist activity in the region.