Security forces have achieved a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Naxal अभियान in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, where six Maoists, including four women cadres and a senior commander carrying a cash reward, were killed in an encounter in the north-western forest region of the district.
The encounter took place in the National Park area bordering the Bhopalpatanam and Farsegarh police station limits, an area long considered a stronghold of Maoist activity. Among those killed was Dilip Bedja, a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) and in-charge of the National Park Area Committee, who carried a reward of ₹8 lakh.
Intelligence-Based Operation
According to police officials, security forces launched a joint search operation on January 17, 2026, after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the area. The operation involved teams from DRG Bijapur, DRG Dantewada, STF, CoBRA battalions (202, 206 and 210) and the CRPF’s 214th Battalion.
Intermittent exchanges of fire between the Maoists and security forces continued from the morning of January 17 until the evening of January 18.
Arms, Ammunition Seized
Following the encounter, a detailed combing operation led to the recovery of six Maoist bodies from the spot. Security forces also seized a substantial cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles and one carbine.
In addition, large quantities of ammunition, explosives, BGL launchers, wireless communication equipment, scanners, cash, Maoist literature, uniforms and other logistical material were recovered from the area.
High-Value Targets Neutralised
Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav said the slain Maoists carried a combined reward of ₹27 lakh. Preliminary identification revealed the following cadres:
DVCM Dilip Bedja – ₹8 lakh
ACM Madvi Kosa – ₹5 lakh
ACM Palo Podiyam – ₹5 lakh
ACM Lakkhi Madkam – ₹5 lakh
PM Juglo Banjam – ₹2 lakh
PM Radha Metta – ₹2 lakh
SP Yadav added that Dilip Bedja was involved in over 135 criminal cases registered across different police stations in Bijapur district and had played a key role in several major Maoist attacks in the past.
Maoist Influence Weakening: Police
Bastar Range Inspector General Sundarraj P said sustained intelligence-led operations and growing cooperation from local villagers have significantly weakened Maoist influence in the region. He also appealed to remaining cadres to abandon violence and surrender under the government’s rehabilitation policy.
Casualties Among Security Forces
Two security personnel were injured during the operation. Head Constable Neeraj Sharma of CoBRA 206 and Head Constable Krishna Netam of the STF sustained injuries in separate Maoist attacks. Both were evacuated safely to higher medical centres and are reported to be in stable condition.
Rising Tally in 2026
Police data shows that 163 Maoists were killed in Bijapur district in 2025. With this operation, the count for 2026 has risen to eight Maoists neutralised in separate encounters so far, underscoring the intensification of counter-insurgency efforts in the region.
