Maoist with ₹5 lakh bounty among 2 killed in Chhattisgarh gunfight

This comes a day after additional superintendent of police (ASP) Akash Rao Girepunje was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast

Published on: Jun 11, 2025, 20:47:47 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: Two Maoists, including a local organisation squad (LOS) commander carrying a ₹5 lakh bounty, were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Pusgunna area of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, police said.

The operation started around 2 pm. After the gunbattle stopped, security personnel recovered the bodies of two Maoists, including a woman. (Representative photo)

This comes a day after additional superintendent of police (ASP) Akash Rao Girepunje was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast, which was allegedly planted by Maoists in the Konta area.

The Kukanar police and the district reserve guard (DRG) launched a joint search operation on Tuesday, based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of CPI (Maoist) cadres in the Pusgunna forests, said a statement issued by the Bastar Police.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh : Senior police officer killed in IED blast in Sukma , 3 others injured

The operation started around 2 pm. After the gunbattle stopped, security personnel recovered the bodies of two Maoists, including a woman. “Among the deceased was Baman, the LOS commander of Pedaras, carrying a reward of ₹5 lakh on his head. The identity of the female Maoist is yet to be confirmed,” inspector general of police, Bastar Range, Sunderraj P said.

The security forces also recovered one INSAS rifle, a 12-bore firearm, along with ammunition and explosive material from the site.

“Additional teams have been deployed in the surrounding dense forests to track fleeing Maoists. Intensive search operations are ongoing,” a senior 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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