4 Maoists killed in Saturday’s Bijapur encounter identified: Chhattisgarh Police

The encounter took place on Saturday evening in the dense forests along the Basaguda and Gangaloor police station border in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district

Published on: Jul 27, 2025, 19:50:01 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: The Chhattisgarh police on Sunday identified the four Maoists, including two women, who were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district on Saturday, as members of the banned CPI (Maoist)’s South Sub-Zonal Bureau, who had a combined reward of ₹17 lakh on their heads announced by the state government.

The weapons recovered by security forces after Saturday’s encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. (PTI)

The deceased included three area committee members (ACMs), each carrying a reward of ₹5 lakh, and one lower party cadre with a ₹2 lakh reward.

The encounter took place on Saturday evening in the dense forests along the Basaguda and Gangaloor police station border, following a search operation launched by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) based on intelligence input about Maoist presence.

According to Bijapur superintendent of police (SP), Jitendra Yadav, there was a prolonged exchange of fire between the Maoists and the DRG team, after which the bodies and a large cache of arms were recovered from the site.

“The deceased have been identified as Hunga, ACM of Platoon Number 10; Lakkhe, ACM of Platoon Number. 30; Bhime, an ACM; and Nihal alias Rahul, a party member who served as the guard of the Bureau Communication Team head. All were part of the banned CPI (Maoist)’s South Sub-Zonal Bureau and had a combined reward of ₹17 lakh announced by the state government,” the SP said.

Police said that the security personnel recovered an SLR rifle with three magazines and 15 live rounds, an INSAS rifle with three magazines and 40 rounds, a .303 rifle with one magazine and 16 rounds, a BGL launcher with three shells, a single-shot .315 bore rifle, a 12-bore gun with 12 live cartridges, eight AK-47 rounds, three small BGL shells, one grenade, and various Maoist-related and daily-use items.

Inspector general of police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said this operation is part of a sustained offensive against Maoist groups in Bastar.

Since January 2024, 425 hardcore Maoists have been killed in the region.

The IG said that despite the ongoing monsoon, treacherous jungle terrain, and challenging conditions, the morale and commitment of security personnel remain high as they continue to operate with unwavering dedication

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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