In a significant blow to Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh, security forces eliminated six Maoists, including four women, during an intense gunfight in Bijapur district’s rugged terrain. The clash unfolded in the border jungle area between Bhopalpatnam and Farsegarh police stations, deep within the National Park region.
Acting on precise intelligence about the presence of top Maoist commander Dilip Bendza, a joint team comprising DGR Bijapur, DGR Dantewada, STF, and CRPF’s 214 battalion launched a search operation. The encounter erupted when the heavily armed rebels opened fire on the forces.
Post-battle searches recovered the bodies of six Maoists, led by Dilip Bendza, the in-charge of the National Park Area Committee and Dy. Commander with a Rs 8 lakh bounty. Among the others neutralized were ACM Madvi Kosa, Palo Podium, Lakhi Madkam, Juglo Banjam, and Radha Metta, with a combined bounty of Rs 27 lakh on their heads.
The haul from the site was impressive: two AK-47 rifles, two rifles, one carbine, a BGL launcher, grenades, ammunition, wireless sets, explosives, Maoist literature, and daily use items. This arsenal underscores the Maoists’ intent to perpetuate violence in the region.
Bijapur SSP Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav revealed that Dilip Bendza had 135 criminal cases registered against him across various police stations, linking him to several major incidents. The operation, conducted in challenging forested hills, saw two jawans injured in a wild animal attack but both are now stable after medical attention.
Highlighting the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign’s success, the SSP noted that since January 2024, 229 Maoists have been neutralized in the district, 1,126 arrested, and 876 have surrendered to join the mainstream. In 2025 alone, 163 were gunned down, with eight more in 2026 so far.
Bastar Range IG Sundarraj P. emphasized that relentless intelligence-driven operations and local support have significantly weakened Maoist influence. He urged remaining insurgents to lay down arms and reintegrate into society, signaling a brighter future for the once-troubled region.
