Gariaband Encounter Update: In a significant operation by Chhattisgarh security forces, 16 Maoists were killed in a fierce encounter in the Gariaband district on Tuesday. Among the dead was the notorious Naxalite leader Chalapathi, also known as Jayaram, who had a bounty of ₹90 lakh on his head.

On Thursday, Chalapathi’s father-in-law, Laxman Rao, arrived in Raipur to claim the body and expressed serious concerns over the encounter.

Key Developments in the Gariaband Encounter

The anti-Naxal operation, carried out by Chhattisgarh security forces, is considered a major success in the ongoing fight against Maoist insurgency. Of the 16 Maoists killed in the operation, the identities of 12 have been confirmed so far.

Chalapathi, a member of the Maoist Central Committee, was among those killed. The governments of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana had collectively announced a bounty on him, with Chhattisgarh offering ₹40 lakh.

Laxman Rao’s Concerns

Laxman Rao, Chalapathi’s father-in-law, traveled to Raipur after hearing reports of his death. Speaking to ANI, he raised doubts about the circumstances of the encounter. Rao alleged that those who speak out against unemployment and rising prices are being silenced.

Furthermore, he expressed concerns that his daughter’s body might still be in the forest, as her remains were not among those recovered. Rao also voiced a personal request to meet his daughter, who, according to him, remains missing.

Despite the tragic loss, he refrained from condemning Maoist ideology, implying that Chalapathi's beliefs and actions were aligned with the Naxalite cause.

Chalapathi: A Feared Maoist Leader

Hailing from Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district, Chalapathi was a dreaded figure in Maoist circles and was considered a high-value target by security forces. His death is a major blow to the Maoist movement in the region, as he was a key leader with significant influence in their operations.