Major crackdown: 12 Naxals shot dead in Bijapur by security forces
Twelve Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The operation was part of ongoing anti-Naxal efforts in the region.
On January 16, 2025, a significant encounter occurred between security forces and Naxalites in the dense forests of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. The operation resulted in the deaths of 12 Naxalites. The operation was part of ongoing anti-Naxal efforts in the region.
Details of the Encounter:
Location and Timing: The gunfight took place around 9:00 AM in the forested regions near Pujari Kanker and Murudbaka villages, under the jurisdiction of the Gangaloor police station in southern Bijapur.
Forces Involved: A joint team comprising over 1,500 personnel from various units participated in the operation. This included the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from three districts, five battalions of the CRPF's elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and the 229th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Casualties and Recoveries: Security personnel recovered more than ten bodies of Naxalites from the site, along with weapons and other materials. The exact number of casualties was expected to rise as the operation continued.
Context and Significance:
This encounter was part of a larger anti-Naxalite operation in the Bastar region, which has been a hotspot for Maoist activities. The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of senior Maoist cadres in the area. The success of this mission was seen as a significant blow to the Maoist insurgency in the region.
Official Reactions
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the security forces for their bravery and reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism. He emphasized that such operations are crucial steps toward achieving lasting peace and development in the region. This encounter underscores the ongoing challenges and efforts in combating Naxalite insurgency in central India. The government's intensified operations aim to dismantle the insurgent infrastructure and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
