Jagdalpur, March 30 (H.S.): On Saturday in the Gogunda hills of Sukma district, security forces killed 17 Maoists, with another encounter occurring in the Tekmeta-Narsapur forests of Bijapur district, resulting in the death of one more Maoist. So far, 15 bodies have been identified, with a combined bounty of ₹73 lakhs, comprising 11 women and 4 men.

From the 17 Maoists killed in Sukma, 14 identifications are complete. In Bijapur, the identified Maoist is Kanna Jhaadi, president of the Janatana Sarkar, carrying a bounty of ₹1 lakh. Among the Sukma Maoists, notable identifications include Kuhaɗami Jagdish alias Budhra, a ₹25 lakh bounty member of the Darbha division, implicated in severe incidents such as the Jhiram massacre and attacks on security forces in 2023.

Other identified Maoists from the Sukma encounter include Podium Bhima alias Raushan (ACM) with a ₹5 lakh bounty, Sawlam Jogi, Dasari, Deva Madavi, Madavi Mase, Madavi Hidma, and Buski Nuppo, each with bounties of ₹5 lakhs, as well as several individuals with bounties of ₹2 lakhs.

The total number of identified Maoists stands at 15, with an ongoing identification process for three more. This coordinated operation underscores the active measures being taken against Maoist insurgency in the region, with ongoing support from police and local intelligence.

Bastar IG Sundar Raj P announced the completion of identification for the 14 Maoists from Sukma, highlighting the continuing efforts to counter and dismantle Maoist networks in the affected districts.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar