Maoist Leader with Rs 5 Lakh Bounty Neutralized in Chhattisgarh Encounter
In a significant development in the fight against left-wing extremism, a Maoist cadre carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh was killed in an encounter with security forces along the Dantewada–Bijapur border in south Chhattisgarh on Thursday. The operation, which unfolded in a dense forested hill tract under the Geedam area of Dantewada, was part of an anti-Naxal initiative launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist movements and concealed arms caches.
Intelligence-Led Operation and Identification of the Slain Maoist
The slain Maoist has been identified as Rajesh Punem, an Area Committee Member (ACM) of the Bhairamgarh area committee. He was considered an active and influential cadre within the insurgency network operating across the Dantewada–Bijapur belt, making his elimination a notable setback for the Maoist infrastructure in the region.
According to police sources, actionable intelligence received on March 3 indicated that Maoists had stashed weapons and other materials in the forested zone between Gumlanar, Girsapara, and Nelgoda villages. In response, a joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters was mobilized for a search operation. The team was led by DSP Rahul Kumar Uike, who coordinated the efforts to comb the area and secure suspected locations.
Details of the Encounter and Recovery of Weapons
As security personnel began combing the forested hill area and establishing a cordon around potential hideouts, a group of 8–10 armed Maoists belonging to the Bhairamgarh area committee allegedly opened fire on the police party from an ambush position. The forces promptly retaliated, leading to a brief but intense exchange of gunfire. Taking advantage of the darkness and the dense forest cover, the Maoists managed to flee the spot, evading immediate capture.
During a thorough search of the encounter site, security personnel recovered the body of a male Maoist, later confirmed to be Rajesh Punem. Police officials reported the seizure of significant weaponry and materials from near the body, including an SLR rifle, an INSAS rifle, a pistol, a walkie-talkie set, multiple magazines, and a large quantity of live and empty cartridges. Additionally, Maoist-related documents and propaganda materials were confiscated, providing valuable insights into their operations.
Ongoing Search Operations and Broader Implications
Search operations are continuing in the surrounding forest area to trace other Maoist cadres who escaped after the gunfight. Officials emphasized that this encounter underscores the persistent efforts of security forces to dismantle Maoist networks in Chhattisgarh, a region long affected by left-wing extremism. The recovery of weapons and the neutralization of a key cadre highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in curbing insurgent activities.
This incident comes amid broader security challenges in the area, with authorities remaining vigilant to prevent any resurgence of violence. The successful operation is expected to disrupt Maoist plans in the Dantewada–Bijapur belt, contributing to enhanced security and stability in the region.
