New Delhi, 13 April (H.S.):

In a decisive operation underscoring India's relentless campaign against Left-Wing Extremism, security forces neutralized Rupi, a high-ranking Maoist commander, in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh's Kanker district on Monday. This encounter, unfolding in the strategically vital Machpalli-Aramjhora-Hidur belt along the Chhotebethiya-Partapur police limits, represents a pivotal erosion of the Maoist stronghold in Bastar.

Acting on actionable intelligence about a cadre of armed Maoists, a coordinated contingent comprising district police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG) initiated a cordon-and-search maneuver at dawn. The Maoists, detecting the advancing forces, unleashed a barrage of gunfire, precipitating a fierce 30-minute skirmish. Post-exchange, troops recovered Rupi's body alongside a .32-caliber pistol, live ammunition, explosives, and insurgent propaganda materials—hallmarks of her operational role.

Rupi, an Area Committee Member (ACM) in the Maoist hierarchy, commanded a contingent enforcing cadre discipline and logistics in the region. As the widow of Vijay Reddy, a slain Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) leader eliminated in a 2025 encounter in Manpur-Mohla, she embodied the Telugu-speaking nucleus of Bastar's Maoist leadership.

Despite repeated government entreaties via posters, audio messages, and drone-dropped leaflets urging surrender, Rupi persisted in armed rebellion, accruing a bounty of ₹8 lakh on her head.

Kanker Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha affirmed: This intelligence-driven strike dismantled a key operative. Rupi's elimination disrupts their command chain significantly. Inspector General Sundarraj Pattilingam, Bastar Range, contextualized the victory within broader gains: Sustained operations have reduced active Maoists in Kanker to fewer than ten. Time is running out—surrender offers a dignified path to reintegration.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar