Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district witnessed a successful counter-insurgency operation where three Naxalites, each carrying a substantial bounty totaling Rs 15 lakh, were neutralized by security forces. The confrontation erupted in the forest area of Tumalpad village, straddling the Bhejji and Chintagufa police station limits, early Sunday morning. The operation was pre-emptively launched by security personnel after receiving precise intelligence on Maoist movements.
Authorities identified the slain individuals as Madvi Deva, a key area committee member; Podiam Gangi, who commanded the Maoist cultural outfit Chetna Natya Mandli (CNM); and Sodhi Gangi, another area committee member. The encounter was marked by heavy gunfire. Following the exchange, the bodies of the three Naxalites, including two women, were retrieved. A comprehensive search of the encounter site led to the seizure of crucial weaponry and explosives. Recovered items included Barrel Grenade Launchers (BGLs), a 303 rifle, VGA launchers, and a variety of other firearms and ammunition. The police are continuing sweeps of the vicinity. This development underscores the persistent efforts to dismantle Naxal networks, with over 200 Naxalites already eliminated in the Bastar range this year.