In a major success for security forces, six Maoists, including four women cadres, have been neutralised in an encounter in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The operation, carried out by a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), COBRA and Special Task Force (STF), marks a significant blow to Maoist activities in the region. The slain Maoists have been identified as Dilip Bedja, Madvi Kosa, Lakhi Madkam and Radha. The identification of the remaining two is still underway. Officials confirmed that Dilip Bedja had long been active in the Indravati Reserve and National Park areas, orchestrating violent campaigns against the state. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that Bedja was neutralised after rejecting repeated calls to lay down arms. Mr Sharma said, with the elimination of Bedja, the National Park area can now be considered almost free of Maoist presence.
The encounter also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles and six grenades.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has appealed to Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream. In a social media post, the Chief Minister said the government is fully committed to rehabilitation with justice, security, and dignity.
