Bijapur, March 23: In a significant development, 22 Maoists surrendered before the Chhattisgarh Police on Sunday, following massive operations in Bijapur and Narayanpur areas. Among them, six Maoists carried a combined bounty of ₹11 lakh. They surrendered before CRPF DIG Devendra Singh Negi.
DIG Negi stated, “These individuals have abandoned Maoist ideology and joined the mainstream. With new police camps, better infrastructure, and improved facilities, public sentiment is shifting in favor of the administration.”
The surrendered Maoists include the AOB division, Telangana State Committee, and platoon members. So far, 107 Maoists have laid down arms in Bijapur.
On Friday, security forces eliminated 30 Maoists, including 14 women, during an encounter in Gangloor. The killed Maoists carried a total reward of ₹87 lakh. The forces recovered AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS, and .303 rifles, along with indigenous rocket launchers, barrel grenade launchers, and other explosives.
During the operation, a brave soldier made the supreme sacrifice, while two others, including a DSP-rank officer, were injured. Their condition is stable.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai praised the forces, affirming their commitment to making India Maoist-free by March next year.
