Operations Intensified Post Maoist Encounter

Raipur, May 26 (PTI): Following the recent killing of top Maoist leader Basavaraju in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, police and intelligence agencies have intensified monitoring of Maoist cadres and their supporters. The authorities are on alert after the encounter, which resulted in the death of 28 Maoist cadres, including Basavaraju.

The fierce encounter took place on May 21 in the forests of Abhujmad along the Bijapur-Narayanpur inter-district border. Among the casualties were Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), and 26 of his associates. Unfortunately, two jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of state police also lost their lives during the gunfight.

On May 25, a statement attributed to the Maoists surfaced, admitting the loss of 28 of their cadres. Seven Maoists managed to escape. The statement was issued by Vikalp, a spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), an entity known for orchestrating attacks on security forces in south Bastar.

The Maoists revealed that some cadres from Basavaraju's unit recently surrendered and assisted police in the operation, leading to the death of their leader. The police had earlier attempted operations against Basavaraju but were unsuccessful. Basavaraju's security was compromised by a Company Party Committee Member and other cadres who surrendered just before the operation.

A senior police official highlighted that this statement was an attempt by the CPI (Maoist) to incite their supporters to organize rallies to glorify the leadership responsible for numerous innocent deaths, including security personnel and civilians.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P mentioned the discovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition at the encounter site in the forests of Kudmel-Kalhaja-Jatlur villages. Recovered weapons included rifles, rocket launchers, and other firearms. Among these was an AK-47 rifle linked to previous Naxal attacks.

Basavaraju, a wanted criminal involved in over 258 criminal cases, was a significant figure in the Maoist movement. The investigative team is reviewing these cases, with further actions and investigations underway by the Narayanpur Police.

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