Two Maoists Killed in Bijapur Encounter; Security Forces Hunt Elusive Leader Papa Rao
Security forces killed two Maoists in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday morning. The gunfight erupted in the forested hills of north-western Bijapur after a joint team launched a search operation based on specific intelligence inputs.
Operation Details and Ongoing Search
A joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard and other units initiated the operation early Saturday. Police officials confirmed an intermittent exchange of fire continues in the region. The forces are actively searching for Papa Rao, one of the last surviving senior Naxal leaders in the Bastar region.
Papa Rao holds significant positions within the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit. He serves as a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, the highest state-level body, and acts as secretary of the South Bastar Zonal Bureau Committee. Rao also oversees the West Bastar Division Committee.
Background on Papa Rao and Previous Encounters
Rao has a long history of involvement in Maoist activities. He participated in the 2010 ambush that resulted in the deaths of 76 security personnel. In November last year, his wife Urmila and another Maoist named Kanna were among six insurgents killed in an encounter at Indravati National Park in Bijapur district.
Sundarraj P, Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, provided details about the current operation. "A search operation was initiated by a joint team in the forested hills of north-western Bijapur. Since this morning, there has been a continuous but intermittent exchange of fire between the forces and the insurgents," he stated.
Operational Challenges and Safety Measures
Officials emphasized the ongoing nature of the operation and the difficult geographical terrain. They declined to disclose specific details about the exact location or number of personnel involved, citing safety concerns for the troops on the ground.
"The operation is still in progress. We are prioritising the safety of our jawans. A detailed briefing on the outcome of the encounter and any recoveries will be provided once the teams return to the base," the IG added.
Broader Context of Left-Wing Extremism Operations
This encounter occurs against the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's March 2026 deadline to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism in the country. With less than three months remaining, security forces have intensified operations against Maoist groups.
The current year has seen significant progress in anti-Naxal operations. Including Saturday's casualties, sixteen Maoists have been killed so far in 2026. Over the past two years, Chhattisgarh has witnessed more than 500 Maoist casualties through security operations.
Most senior leaders of the banned outfit have been neutralized through these sustained efforts. Some have surrendered to authorities, while others have reportedly fled the state. The ongoing operation in Bijapur represents another step in the comprehensive strategy to address Left-Wing Extremism in the region.
