Top Maoist Commander with Rs 5 lac Bounty Killed in Encounter

RAIPUR:
In a major breakthrough for anti-Maoist operations, two Maoists, including a local organisation squad (LOS) commander with a bounty of Rs 5 lac, were gunned down in an encounter with security forces in the Pusgunna forest area of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.

The encounter, which took place in Sukma district, comes just a day after Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Girepunje was martyred in an IED blast allegedly triggered by Maoists in the Konta region.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of Kukanar police and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) launched an operation around 2 pm on Tuesday. A fierce exchange of fire followed in the dense forests of Pusgunna.

“Two Maoists, including a woman, were killed. One of them has been identified as Baman, the LOS commander of Pedaras, who carried a reward of Rs 5 lac,” said Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sunderraj P. The identity of the female Maoist is yet to be confirmed.

From the encounter site, security forces recovered an INSAS rifle, a 12-bore firearm, live ammunition, and explosive materials.

“Additional teams have been rushed into the surrounding forest areas to pursue fleeing Maoists. Intensive search operations are ongoing,” a senior police officer said.

The fresh success comes amid heightened security deployment in Bastar following recent Maoist aggression.