18 Maoists killed in Bastar encounter, 3 days before Lok Sabha Polls
- In Reports
- 06:39 PM, Apr 16, 2024
- Myind Staff
In Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, located in the Bastar region, a significant encounter erupted between Maoists and security forces, resulting in the demise of 18 Maoists and injuries to three security personnel. The incident occurred just days before the Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April 19 in Bastar. According to Bastar's Inspector General Sundarraj P., over 60,000 security personnel are currently stationed in the district.
A BSF spokesperson stated that a joint operation conducted by teams of BSF (COB Chotebetiya) and DRG was initiated on April 16 based on specific intelligence. During the operation, BSF Ops party encountered fire from CPI Maoist cadres while it was still ongoing. BSF troops promptly retaliated against the attackers. One BSF personnel suffered a bullet injury to his leg but was safely evacuated and is currently out of danger.
"The operation is ongoing, and authorities have recovered the bodies of 18 CPI Maoist cadres who have been neutralised," stated the spokesperson.
Security forces have commenced search operations in the region. According to initial reports, the encounter occurred within the jurisdiction of Chotebetiya police station. An official disclosed that seven AK series rifles and three Light Machine Guns were also discovered.
The official confirmed that three security personnel sustained injuries in the encounter. However, they are reported to be out of danger. The Kanker Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled to vote in the second phase of elections on April 26.
During the assembly polls on November 7 last year, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan escorting a polling party team to establish a polling booth in the jurisdiction of Chotebetiya police station sustained injuries in an IED blast. He succumbed to his injuries a day later. Additionally, two polling party officials were injured in the blast.
Home Minister Amit Shah visited Khairagarh in Chhattisgarh, where he urged people to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term, assuring them that his government would eradicate Naxalism within the next three years.
Security forces have intensified their anti-Naxal operations this year, resulting in the deaths of 50 Maoists in 2024. Additionally, 18 civilians and six security personnel have lost their lives in Maoist-related violence this year.
Image source: India TV
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