Chhattisgarh police constable, Maoist killed in gunfight in Kanker

The gunfight took place in a forest near Hidur village under Chhotebethiya police station when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxal operation

Published on: Mar 3, 2024, 14:02:53 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: A Chhattisgarh police constable and a Maoist were killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists in Bastar’s Kanker district on Sunday, according to a statement issued by police.

“Constable Ramesh Kurethi, belonging to Bastar Fighters - a unit of state police, was killed in the gunfight. He was also a resident of Kanker district. A body of a Maoist and an AK-47 rifle were recovered from the spot,” the statement reads.

The gunfight took place in a forest near Hidur village under Chhotebethiya police station when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxal operation, said police.

Chhattisgarh police based on specific input about the presence of senior Maoist cadres in the Hidur forest area launched an operation in the forests. The team included personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, along with the Border Security Force (BSF) and district force.

According to the police, the gunfight is still ongoing in the forests. “Search operation is underway in the area and more details are awaited,” a senior police officer 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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