Bijapur, November 18, 2024 — Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in Bijapur by arresting eight Naxalites who were allegedly planning to plant IEDs to target security personnel. The joint operation by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Usur Police thwarted a significant plot in the Usur-Tekmetla forest area on Sunday.

Explosives Recovered

The arrested Naxalites were caught with explosives, including three tiffin bombs, cordex wires, and electric cables. According to the police, the group was conspiring to plant these IEDs along the Usur-Tekmetla forest route. The security forces, during a routine search operation, identified the Naxalites attempting to flee and apprehended them before they could execute their plan.

Arrested Naxalites Identified

The arrested individuals include:

• Joga Madavi
• Deva Sodhi
• Guddi Madavi
• Chula Hemla
• Sukka Sodhi
• Payki Madkam
• Sukka Kunjam
• Malla Midiyam

In addition to the explosives, propaganda materials linked to Maoist activities were also recovered, DSP Sudip Sarkar confirmed.

Ongoing Operations in Kanker

In a related development, security forces have been conducting operations against Naxalites in the Kanker and Narayanpur border region for the past three days. These efforts have resulted in the elimination of five Naxalites during encounters. Their bodies have been recovered and brought to Kanker.

According to Bastar IG Sundarraj P, multiple firefights occurred on Sunday as security forces continued their search operations in the area. A significant cache of weapons was recovered from the encounter site. The number of Naxalites killed in various operations this year has risen to 197.

Significance of the Operations

These arrests and encounters highlight the ongoing efforts of security forces to curb Naxalite activities in the Bastar region. The government has intensified anti-Naxal operations, aiming to dismantle networks and ensure the safety of residents in affected areas.

The recent arrests in Bijapur and successful encounters in Kanker reflect the proactive measures taken by the security apparatus to combat insurgent activities effectively.