Security forces in Chhattisgarh have achieved a significant victory, neutralizing 18 Naxalites, including a high-ranking commander, during a fierce encounter in Bijapur district. The operation took place in the forested areas along the border of Bijapur and Dantewada districts on Wednesday.
Authorities announced on Thursday that the final count of neutralized Naxalites reached 18. The operation not only resulted in the elimination of these insurgents but also yielded a substantial recovery of weapons and ammunition. The seized items include various firearms, notably AK-47 and INSAS rifles.
One of the neutralized individuals was identified as Modiyam Vella, a commander in the PLGA’s company number 2. Vella was reportedly involved in numerous violent acts, with his involvement in the 2020 Minpa ambush, which claimed 17 security personnel’s lives, being a prominent case. He was listed with a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
The encounter resulted in a tragic loss for the security forces as three District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel – Head Constable Monu Vadadi, Constable Dukaru Gonde, and Jawan Ramesh Sodhi – were killed in action. Two other DRG members sustained injuries during the confrontation.
So far this year, Chhattisgarh has witnessed the neutralization of 275 Naxalites across the state, with a significant concentration in the Bastar region. The ongoing fight against insurgency has also resulted in the unfortunate deaths of 23 security personnel this year.