Chhattisgarh: 12 Maoists, 3 DRG jawans killed in gunfight
What's the story
A major anti-Maoist operation is underway in Chhattisgarh's West Bastar Division, along the Bijapur-Dantewada inter-district border. The encounter started at around 9:00am when a joint team of Dantewada-Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and CoBRA commandos launched a search operation in the dense forest region. The gunfight has resulted in the deaths of 12 Maoists and 3 DRG personnel, according to ANI.
Casualties
DRG personnel killed, operation continues
Two of the DRG personnel who lost their lives in the gunfight have been identified as head constable Monu Vadadi and constable Dukaru Gonde. Another two jawans are reported to be injured but are out of danger after being administered first aid. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav said the operation is in a "decisive phase" with an "aggressive offensive" against Maoists underway.
Operation progress
Maoist bodies recovered, weapons seized
The bodies of the 12 slain Maoists have been recovered from the encounter site. Security forces also seized SLR rifles, .303 rifles and other ammunition during the operation. However, the identities of those killed are yet to be established. Additional reinforcement teams have been deployed, and the entire area has been cordoned off as part of ongoing efforts to neutralize remaining threats in this region.
Campaign status
Anti-Maoist campaign continues in Chhattisgarh
This incident has taken the number of Maoists killed in encounters in Chhattisgarh this year to 270. Of these, 241 were killed in the Bastar division alone. Sundarraj P, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), said the anti-Maoist campaign remains "intense and strategically driven." He added that detailed information cannot be shared at this stage as the operation is still underway.