On December 19, security forces delivered a significant setback to the Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. In a gun battle occurring around 6 a.m. in the dense Indravati region, a District Reserve Guard (DRG) team acted on reliable intelligence regarding Maoist movements in the Adwara-Kotameta forests. The clash began shortly after the search operation commenced, as the forces confronted the armed group.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police, Dr. Jitendra Yadav, confirmed that one Maoist was killed during the encounter. The deceased was identified as Fagnu Madvi, a 35-year-old from Gorna village, who served as an Area Committee Member of the Bhairamgarh committee and had a bounty of ₹5 lakh on his head.
Forces seized an assortment of materials, including a .303 rifle with a magazine and three rounds, a 9mm pistol with ammunition, two scanner sets, a radio device, medical supplies, cordex wire, and various Maoist logistics items. This haul underscores the operational capabilities of the insurgents.
Bastar Range Inspector General of Police, P. Sundarraj, remarked that coordinated security operations in 2025 have significantly weakened Maoist presence in Bastar, stating, “Maoism in Bastar is breathing its last,” with the group’s organizational structure collapsing and violent activities becoming increasingly futile. He urged remaining Maoists to lay down their arms and take advantage of the government’s surrender and rehabilitation program.
This operation illustrates the escalation of anti-Naxal campaigns in Bijapur, a critical battleground where, throughout 2025, over 280 Maoists were neutralized statewide, mainly in the Bastar division. In Bijapur specifically, around 144 insurgents were eliminated, along with over 500 arrests and 560 surrenders. These achievements, driven by improved intelligence and joint operations involving the DRG, CRPF CoBRA, and central forces, have markedly diminished Maoist influence in the area.
Furthermore, the Centre’s goal of eradicating Left-Wing Extremism by March 2026 seems increasingly attainable, particularly as surrenders surge amid rising internal disillusionment among insurgents. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among security personnel, and ongoing combing operations are in place to ensure sustained dominance in the region.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/12/19/maoist-area-committee-member-with-rs-5-lakh-bounty-killed-in-bijapur-encounter/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert
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Publish Date: 2025-12-19 14:52:00
