BIG Success For Security Forces In Chhattisgarh: 14 Maoists Killed In Encounter In Gariaband, Search Ops Continue

Representational Image. (IANS)

Chhattisgarh News: At least 14 Maoists, including six women, have been killed in the ongoing encounter with the security personnel in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh, a top police official said. All the bodies of the deceased Maoists have been recovered.

Briefing about the encounter between Maoists and security forces, Raipur Inspector General of Police (IGP), Amresh Kumar Mishra, said on Tuesday that this encounter took place in the dense forests of Bhalu-Diggi located at Kulhari Ghat in Gariaband district, which started on the night of January 19 and is still underway.

"Information was received about the presence of Maoists in the area, following which security personnel were sent to the spot. As many as 14 Maoists have been killed in the last two days. Apart from this, a huge quantity of weapons has also been recovered from the spot during the search operation, including INSAS rifle, SLR, revolver, and cartridges. Other materials have also been recovered," the Raipur IGP said, as quoted by news agency IANS.

The ongoing operation was launched on Monday night following specific intelligence inputs. It was a joint effort by security forces from Chhattisgarh and Odisha, including Operation Group E30 of Odisha Police, the 207th battalion of CRPF’s CoBRA unit, CRPF’s 65 and 211 Battalions, and SOG Nuapada.

IGP Mishra further stated that a search operation is being conducted in the dense forests of Bhalu-Diggi. Security personnel were also deployed in the area on Tuesday night as well.

The encounter is underway with intermittent firing between security personnel and the Maoists. More than 50 Maoists were present in the area, against whom the search operation is underway, IANS reported, citing official sources. Security forces have started searching every corner of the forest.

CM Vishnu Deo Sai Hails Security Forces 

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces for successfully neutralising the Maoists and congratulated them. He said, "I congratulate our security forces very much. Their courage deserves the utmost praise. This operation proves that we are continuously succeeding against the Maoists."

Earlier on January 16, 17 Maoists were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, and a large cache of weapons was also recovered. The joint operation marks a significant success for security forces in their ongoing efforts to curb Maoist activity in the region.