In One Of The Biggest Anti-Naxal Operations in Chhattisgarh, Security Forces Gun Down At Least 15 Left-Wing Terrorists

In one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations in the state of Chhattisgarh, at least 15 Maoists were gunned down by security forces on Monday (6 August), PTI has reported. The security forces also arrested two injured Naxals from the spot.

The media was informed of the encounter by Chhattisgarh’s Special Director General of Police (anti-Naxal operations) D M Awasthi.

As per Awasthi two teams were sent into the forests from different directions on Sunday evening (5 August). The teams constituted of personnel belonging to the elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF).

The operation began on Monday morning (6 August) when one of the patrolling team comprising of DRG and STF personnel came across a Maoist camp in Nalkatong village, which they then encircled.

A gun-battle ensued for about half an hour, following which, the bodies of 15 Maoists were recovered. The forces also recovered 16 weapons and four Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the spot. According to a The Hindu report, the encounter took place at around 7 AM in the area which falls under the Konta block.

The killed left-wing terrorists are believed to be from three different Maoist groups which have been active in Konta, Golapalli and Bhejji areas of southern Sukma.

One of the the Maoists killed in the encounter has been identified as platoon commander Vanjam Hunga, while the identity of 14 others is yet to be ascertained.

The security forces are now carrying out intensive search operations in nearby forest areas.