Security forces in Chhattisgarh have achieved a significant victory in their anti-Naxal operations, neutralizing 18 Maoists during an intense encounter in the Bijapur district on Wednesday. The operation, conducted in the forests bordering Bijapur and Dantewada, also led to the recovery of a substantial haul of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles. A particularly noteworthy casualty is Modiyam Vella, a key PLGA company commander with a bounty of Rs 8 lakh, who was implicated in numerous attacks, most notably the 2020 Minpa ambush that resulted in the loss of 17 security personnel. The operation, while successful in eliminating a considerable number of insurgents, resulted in the tragic deaths of three DRG personnel: Head Constable Monu Vadadi, Constable Dukaru Gonde, and Jawan Ramesh Sodhi. Two other DRG members sustained injuries. This year has seen a total of 275 Naxalites neutralized across Chhattisgarh, with the Bastar region being the most active theatre, reporting 246 fatalities. The sacrifices made by security personnel continue, with 23 personnel having lost their lives in anti-Naxal operations this year.
