Two Naxalites killed in encounter by security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

Bijapur (Chhattisgarh): At least two Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Saturday, police said.

The gunfight broke out in the forested hills of the district’s north-western region on Saturday morning, when a joint team of security forces launched a search as part of its anti-Naxalite operation following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the area, including Papa Rao, a senior Maoist leader and a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZCM).

According to Bastar Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj, the encounter began after security personnel moved into the area as part of the operation. Intermittent firing between the Maoists and the forces had been continuing since early morning.

The operation comes amid the Centre’s stated goal of eradicating Left-Wing Extremism by March 31.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh: Security forces kill 14 Naxals in Sukma-Bijapur encounter 

Meanwhile, in a related development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 13 filed a supplementary chargesheet against the third accused in a case linked to an alleged attempt to revive the Naxal Northern Regional Bureau (NRB).

The chargesheet was filed against Priyanshu Kashyap, also known as Rakesh and Nilesh, a resident of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, under sections 13, 18, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Earlier in December, high-ranking Maoist Central Committee member Ganesh Uike were among those neutralised during a major security operation in the forests of Odisha's Kandhaamal district. 
 

(With ANI inputs)