Encounter in Bastar: Seven Naxalites Reportedly Killed

More than seven Naxalites were reportedly killed in a intense clash between security forces and Maoists. The dense forests of the volatile Bijapur district, with the firefight still ongoing as of Friday. The encounter ensued when a security team engaged in a search operation encountered the Naxalites near Pidia village in the Gangaloor region earlier that morning.

The casualty count is expected to rise further, possibly reaching double digits. The operation involves a substantial inter-district force of more than a thousand personnel comprising CoBRA, Special Task Force, and District Reserve Guards from Bijapur, Dantewada, and Sukma districts. They initiated the operation from various camps and engaged with the Maoists in different parts of the Pidia forests.

While the encounter continues, the exact count of Maoists eliminated will be determined once the converging security teams compile their reports. Officials have confirmed the safety of the jawans, emphasizing their effective engagement in the operation.

This encounter follows previous successful operations where security forces eliminated 29 Naxalites in Kanker district on April 16 and another ten in the Abujhmarh region of Narayanpur district.