In a shocking incident, an Anganwadi worker was brutally murdered in the Naxal-affected region of Basaguda in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. The assailants, yet to be identified, dragged the woman out of her house and killed her with a sharp weapon in front of her son. The incident took place on Friday night around 8 PM in the village of Timmapur, located just one kilometer from a CRPF camp.

Details of the Incident

The victim, identified as Lakshmi Paddam, was an Anganwadi worker in Timmapur. According to reports, unknown attackers forcibly took her outside her house and attacked her with a sharp weapon. When her son tried to intervene, the attackers reportedly scuffled with him before fleeing the scene.

Naxal Connection Suspected

Timmapur, part of the Basaguda area, is known for Naxal activity, raising suspicions that the murder could be linked to Maoist violence. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding Naxal involvement in this case.

Earlier Incidents in Bijapur

This murder follows the recent killing of two former sarpanches in Bijapur on Thursday. The sarpanches were abducted by Naxals from Bhairamgarh and Naimer villages and later murdered. Their bodies were found near their villages along with pamphlets left by Naxals, accusing the victims of being associated with the BJP.

Growing Concerns in the Region

The killing of the Anganwadi worker has further highlighted the precarious security situation in the Naxal-affected Bastar division. Such incidents not only instill fear among local residents but also hinder developmental activities in these remote areas. The authorities have launched an investigation into Lakshmi Paddam’s murder, and security forces in the region have been alerted.

However, the repeated incidents of violence in Bijapur underline the challenges in tackling Naxal extremism and ensuring the safety of civilians in the region.