Chhattisgarh Naxalite Purge: 18 Eliminated in Bijapur Clash

Security forces in Chhattisgarh have achieved a major success in their anti-Naxal operations, neutralizing 18 Maoists in a fierce encounter in Bijapur district. The operation commenced following a targeted offensive in the forested region straddling the Bijapur and Dantewada districts. The confirmed death toll of 18 Naxalites includes a significant Maoist commander, Modiyam Vella, who was reportedly responsible for multiple deadly attacks and was carrying a substantial bounty of Rs 8 lakh. Vella was identified as a company commander in the PLGA. The recovery of a substantial cache of arms, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles, was also reported by officials. Sadly, the operation claimed the lives of three District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel, with two others sustaining injuries. This year has seen a high number of Naxalite neutralizations across Chhattisgarh, with a substantial portion occurring in the Bastar region, even as security forces continue to face risks and casualties in their ongoing efforts.