Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Jun 7: Security forces have killed seven Maoists, including top leaders Sudhakar and Bhaskar, in a series of encounters during an ongoing anti-Naxal operation in the Indravati National Park area of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police officials said on Saturday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the efforts of the security forces and expressed his desire to meet the brave soldiers participating in the operation.

The crackdown began on June 5, when forces killed Central Committee Member Gautam alias Sudhakar, a key figure in establishing Maoist education centres in Dandakaranya. His body was recovered after a fierce exchange of fire.

On June 6, Telangana State Committee Member Bhaskar, a senior commander, was neutralised. The operation continued overnight, leading to the discovery of three more Maoist bodies—two women and one man—on June 7.

Later the same day, two additional male Maoist cadres were killed in another encounter. Their identities are yet to be confirmed.

Police reported recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter sites, including two AK-47 rifles and Maoist documents.

The operation has been physically challenging, with some soldiers suffering injuries from snake bites, honeybee stings, dehydration, and other hazards. All injured personnel are reported to be in stable condition, officials said.

Security forces continue area domination efforts in the dense forests of Bijapur to flush out any remaining Maoist operatives and secure the region.

A comprehensive report on the seized weapons and materials will be released once all field inputs are consolidated, officials added.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the deaths of the seven Maoists, including Sudhakar and Bhaskar, describing the operation as a significant step in dismantling the insurgent network.