In a significant development, security forces engaged in a fierce encounter with Naxal insurgents in the dense forests of Bandepara. During the intense firefight, one Naxal insurgent was killed, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the site. The encounter, which unfolded as part of an ongoing anti-insurgency operation, showcased the relentless efforts of security forces to combat Naxal activities in the region. The encounter, which occurred in the rugged and remote terrain of Bandepara, has been a part of ongoing efforts to flush out Naxal rebels and restore peace in the area.
P. Sundarra, Inspector General (IG) of Bastar, provided key insights into the encounter. He confirmed the demise of one Naxal fighter and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle from the scene. The security forces' determination was evident in their proactive approach during the operation, which allowed them to neutralise the threat swiftly.
"One naxal killed in an encounter between security forces and naxals in the forest of Bandepara. AK-47 rifle recovered. Search operation continues after the encounter," said IG Bastar P Sundarra.
The operation involved personnel from various security units, including the District Reserve Guard and Bastar Fighter, both being state police units, the Special Task Force, and the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) 170th battalion. These units had received intelligence indicating the presence of senior Naxalites, such as Nagesh, in-charge of the Madded area committee of Maoists, along with secretary Buchanna, member Vishwanath, and 15-20 armed Naxal cadres, in the Koranjed-Bandepara forests.
After the exchange of gunfire subsided, security forces discovered the lifeless body of a Naxalite along with an AK-47 rifle at the encounter site. The identity of the deceased Naxalite remains unconfirmed at this time, and search operations continue in the vicinity.
Bijapur is among the 20 assembly constituencies scheduled for elections in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections, set to take place on November 7. The outcome of this encounter underscores the ongoing security challenges and the significance of maintaining vigilance in Naxal-affected areas.
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