At least 14 Maoists were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Sukma and Bijapur districts of Chhattisgarh on Saturday (January 3).
According to The Indian Express report, this was the first encounter between Maoists and security forces this year.
Of the 14, 12 were killed in southern Sukma while 2 Maoists were killed in Bijapur. The encounter broke out at 5 am.
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The Operation
The District Reserve Guard (DRG) teams deployed in South Bastar region carried out the operations. The exchange of fire commenced at around 5 am in Bijapur with similar firing reported around 8 am in Sukma.
The bodies of Maoists eliminated were recovered during search operations in southern areas of Sukma and Bijapur based on intelligence inputs about the presence of armed cadres.
During the searches, security forces also recovered a huge cache of ammunition, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles and SLRs, a police statement said.
Among those killed in Sukma was Mangdu, secretary of the Konta area committee, police said.
Among the 12 Maoists killed in Sukma was Sachin Mangtu, secretary of the Konta Area Committee.
With the operations still underway, officials did not disclose the exact encounter locations or the strength of forces involved. No other sensitive details were shared in view of security concerns for personnel on the field.
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However, officials said that once the operation concludes, all the details would be shared.
Situation under monitoring
To rule out the presence of anymore Maoists, the situation is being monitored on ground by Sukma SP Kiran Chavan and Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav. Combing and search operations are also underway.
