Deadly Clash in Chhattisgarh: 31 Naxals Killed, 2 Brave Soldiers Martyred

Bijapur (The Uttam Hindu): A violent encounter between security forces and Naxalites took place in the National Park area of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of 31 Naxals. Tragically, two soldiers were martyred and two others sustained injuries during the operation. The clash began on Sunday morning in the forests of Indravati National Park. The operation, which involved personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and Bastar Fighters, was launched based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of Naxalites. The operation was especially critical as there were concerns about potential Naxalite disruptions during the upcoming Panchayat elections. Initial reports indicated that 12 Naxals had been killed, but the number has now risen to 31 as the operation continued. Authorities have also recovered a significant cache of weapons and explosives from the encounter site. Efforts are underway to identify the deceased Naxalites.

During the operation, two soldiers lost their lives, while the two injured soldiers are said to be in stable condition. They were airlifted to Jagdalpur by an MI-17 helicopter for advanced treatment. Additional forces have been deployed to the encounter site to prevent any Naxalite escape, and search operations are ongoing in the area. According to senior police officials, the encounter began while a security patrol was conducting an anti-Naxal operation in the forests of Indravati National Park. There have been reports of sporadic gunfire throughout the day. This operation follows another successful encounter in Bijapur on February 1, where security forces killed eight Naxals and seized weapons, including INSAS rifles and BGL launchers. Prior to that, on January 31, a joint team of DRG, STF, Cobra 202 and the CRPF 222nd battalion launched another anti-Naxal operation in the Gangalur area of West Bastar division based on intelligence about Naxalite presence. In a separate operation, a joint team of DRG Bijapur, District Police Force Usoor, Cobra Battalion and CRPF arrested 14 Naxals, including eight with a combined reward of Rs 36 lakh on their heads. Security forces continue to maintain a strong presence in the region to ensure peaceful elections and curb Naxal activities.