Bijapur, May 27 (H.S.): Naxalites have acknowledged in a pamphlet that the recent anti-Naxal operation marks the biggest setback for them so far, admitting to the death of commander Keshav Rao, also known as Basava Raju, due to their failure in providing adequate protection. The statement, released by Vikalp, spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, on May 25, mentioned that 28 comrades were actually killed during the operation on May 20-21, rather than the previously reported 27, with only one body being retrieved.

The pamphlet reveals that during the encounter at Abujhmad, while 28 Naxals were confirmed dead, seven escaped. Security forces lauded this achievement, which was also recognized through messages from the Home Minister and Prime Minister. Vikalp's document indicates that the loss has significantly weakened the Naxalite movement, especially since among the casualties were individuals with a bounty of 10 crores, including Basava Raju.

The pamphlet details that Raju was with 35 companions at the time, but due to ongoing conflicts and some surrenders, their security detail had previously been reduced. Following intelligence of police activity near their location on May 19, Raju and his team fled. Despite several skirmishes before the night of May 20, when a large force surrounded them, they ultimately faced defeat.

During this period, the Naxal group reportedly went without food for 60 hours as they were circled by armed police forces, who were resupplied by helicopter. Vikalp emphasized the group’s commitment to protecting Raju until the end, but claimed that after Raju was apprehended, the team was killed. This admission highlights their dire circumstances and the pressure they are under from security forces.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar