Key Maoist military leader among 31 killed in Bijapur encounter: Police

31 Maoists, including a key leader, killed in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur; police highlight significance of operation in Maoist stronghold.

Of the 31 Maoists gunned down by security forces in the National Park area of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur on Sunday (February 9, 2025) were members of the West Bastar Division, a sub-zonal military formation of Maoists, the police said on Monday (February 10, 2025). The five identified so far include a secretary of the West Bastar Division, who was responsible for several attacks on security forces and the killing of villagers in the area. 

Addressing a press conference in Bijapur, the Inspector General of Police (IGP, Bastar Range), P. Sundarraj, said Hunga Karma, the secretary or DVCM (divisional committee member) of the West Bastar Division, was carrying a reward of ₹8 lakh on his arrest. He added that Hunga Karma’s significance in the area was beyond the award money. “He has masterminded many terror attacks and murdered and harassed villagers, apart from attacking security forces several times in the past two decades,” Mr. Sundarraj said. 

Others include Mangu Hemla, Subhash Oyam and Sannu, each carrying a reward of ₹5 lakh each, and Ramesh, who carries a reward of ₹2 lakh on his head. They are all members and hold ranks in various area committees within the West Bastar division. 

Of the 65 Maoists gunned down in the Bastar region this year, 56 were from Bijapur, one of the seven districts of the left-wing extremism affected region, Mr. Sundarraj said, underscoring the critical security challenges of the area where large parts still remain outside the reach of the State. The IGP said that Sunday’s operation was crucial because the National Park area is considered as one of the citadels of the Maoists. 

“From north to south, the Abujhmad forests (a large, unsurveyed jungle area spread across Narayanpur, Dantewada, and Bijapur districts), the National Park area, south Sukma, and south Bijapur have been a key base for the Maoists. [In the] last few months, a coordinated effort has been put up by various local and central forces in Bastar to penetrate the area. This [Sunday’s operation] was the beginning of an initial action to minimise Maoist activities in the region, and in ensuring no area would be left as a safe haven for the Maoists,” Mr. Sundarraj said.

Meanwhile, on Monday (February 9, 2025), a wreath-laying ceremony was held for Head Constable Naresh Dhruv of the District Reserve Guard, and Constable Vasit Ravte from the Special Task Force, who were killed in the gunfight. Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, who attended the ceremony, said that the martyrdom of two jawans would continue to inspire other security personnel in eliminating Maoism.