At least 13 Naxals were killed in an encounter on Tuesday with the security agencies in Bijapur.
The encounter that broke out on Tuesday ended on Wednesday.
As per reports, the toll on the Naxal side could mount further as many more are believed to be injured and are still not accounted for.
Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, P Sundarraj said, “Chhattisgarh Police recorded one of its biggest successes in the history of anti-Naxal operations. We can now confirm that in the operation conducted by more than a thousand security forces, 13 Naxals were killed.”
“Their bodies have been recovered. We have also received reports that a large number of Naxals are seriously injured,” he added.
The police further said the area where the firefight took place was considered a safe haven for Naxalites. Meanwhile, over the last three months, 16 new camps of security forces have come up in the area.
Sundarraj said, “Separate contingents of soldiers came out from five of these camps and surrounded the Naxalites through the night. The soldiers covered a difficult journey of about 20 kms through forests and mountains overnight.”
#WATCH | Bastar naxal-Police encounter | IG Bastar Range P Sundarraj speaks on polling preparations and an encounter between naxals and Police in which 13 naxals were killed.
He says, "…To ensure a free and safe polling procedure, DRG, CoBRA, Bastar forces, CRPF, BSF and ITBP… pic.twitter.com/1wHRp7xd3O
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024
Meanwhile, Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav said, “After continuous firing from both sides, we recovered 13 bodies that prima facie seem to be from Company 2 and Platoon 12. Things will become more clear after investigation.”
#WATCH | Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav says, "…In a 3-day-long operation of DRG, CRPF cobra and STF teams, yesterday, after continuous firing from both sides, we recovered 13 bodies that prima facie seem to be from Company 2 and Platoon 12, things will become more clear after… pic.twitter.com/wVW30bF1mN
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2024
A joint team of DRG, CRPF, STF and Cobra jawans were dispatched following information of the presence of Naxals in the area of Bijapur.
Several encounters took place and the bodies were recovered. Weapons were also recovered from the Naxals.
