‘3 killed in exchange of fire between security forces, Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma’: Police

Senior officials said that they are yet to ascertain whether the deceased were Maoists or civilians.

Updated on: May 17, 2021, 19:49:10 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Three people were killed in an exchange of fire between Maoists and security forces in the forest in front of a newly established camp of security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma on Monday, a police official said.

No security personnel were injured in the incident, police said.

“The exchange of fire started on Monday afternoon at Silger in Sukma along the inter-district border of Bijapur and Sukma, in which three people were killed,” said IG Bastar range Sunderaj P.

Senior officials said that they are yet to ascertain whether the deceased were Maoists or civilians as a group of villagers were protesting against the establishment of the camp till Sunday evening.

The IG further said since the past few days, a group of villagers were staging a protest under the pressure of Maoists in front of Silger camp against the establishment of the camp.

“The area is core Maoists’ area and the villagers were protesting under the pressure of Maoists. On Sunday night, they returned to their villages but on Monday afternoon some people, including some Maoists of Jagargonda Area Committee of Maoists, reached the camp and started firing. When the camp was attacked, the security personnel retaliated and the exchange of fire continued. After the firing stopped, we found three dead bodies which are yet to be identified,” said the IG.

“The bodies could be of Maoists but we will able to say anything after identification. Senior police officers are at the spot and reinforcement have been sent,” said the IG.

The encounter spot is located eight to 10 kilometres away from the site of the Naxal attack that took place on April 3 in Sukma district where 22 security personnel were killed.

“We are still searching the forest and more details are awaited,” the IG said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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