4 Maoists killed in encounter in Bijapur, arms recovered: Chhattisgarh police

The exchange of fire began in the evening after security personnel launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs about Maoist presence in the dense forests

Published on: Jul 26, 2025, 20:07:39 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: Four alleged Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Saturday, police said.

Police said the operation is still in progress. (Representational image)

Officials said that arms and ammunition have been recovered and the encounter is still in progress.

Bijapur superintendent of police (SP), Jitendra Yadav, said police have recovered four bodies and their identities are yet to be ascertained.

The exchange of fire began in the evening after security personnel launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs about Maoist presence in the south-western region of the district.

“Intermittent firing between the two sides has continued since then,” said Yadav.

Security forces have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter site, including INSAS and SLR rifles, other weapons, explosive materials, and items of daily use, the SP added.

Officials said sensitive details such as the exact location of the encounter and the number of personnel involved have been withheld for now to ensure the safety of forces engaged in the operation.

A detailed report will be released once the operation concludes, he added.

Maoists have suffered continued setbacks across the region since 2024. In that year alone, 217 Maoists were killed in various encounters.

With Saturday’s operation, the total number of Maoist casualties has risen to approximately 464 till date in 2025.

Union home minister Amit Shah had earlier said that Maoism would be completely eradicated from Chhattisgarh next year, and that the central and state governments were working in full coordination to end the decades-old insurgency through both security action and development.

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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