Top Maoist killed in Chhattisgarh: Police

The slain Maoist was identified as Ritesh Punem, who was the commander of the Sendra Local Organisation Squad of the Maoists

Updated on: Mar 11, 2022, 12:36:52 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: A Maoist commander carrying a reward of ₹3 lakh on his head was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Friday, a police officer said. The exchange of fire took place around 8:30 am near Kaika and Mosla villages, he added.

“A joint team of security personnel including jawans of district reserved guard and personnel from the 222nd battalion of Central Reserve Police Force were out on anti-Naxal operation when Maoists fired and the encounter started,” said inspector general of police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P. He added that the Maoist’s body was recovered along with a gun from the scene of the gunbattle.

The officer identified the slain Maoist as Ritesh Punem, who was the commander of the Sendra Local Organisation Squad of the Maoists. He added that a jawan sustained a minor injury and his condition was stable.

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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