Bijapur April 26 (H.S.): For five days, security forces have been engaged in a fierce encounter with Naxalites in Karregutta, Kotalpalli village, Bijapur district, characterized by heavy firing and explosions reported until late Friday. As part of the largest anti-Naxal operation in India, involving 10,000 to 15,000 personnel, four Air Force helicopters have been monitoring the area since Saturday morning. This initiative aims to confront high-ranking Naxalite leaders amid ongoing combat against Naxalism.

In the Galgam jungle, a soldier from the DRG suffered serious leg injuries due to a pressure IED set by Naxalites and was airlifted to Bijapur Hospital after receiving initial treatment at the CRPF camp. Local reports confirm that helicopter activity suggests potential significant developments. Residents have noted heavy gunfire and bomb explosions until 10 PM the previous night but claim that the security forces have restricted information sharing.

The security forces face substantial challenges with the harsh geographical conditions and high temperatures ranging from 42 to 44 degrees at the base of Karregutta and even higher at the mountain heights of 4,000 to 5,000 feet. The operation area is surrounded by dense forests with key locations like Kasturipada village and the Karregutta hill prominent in the operation. There are reports of multiple Naxalite casualties in the ongoing conflict, with drones capturing images of bodies, although recovery is pending. Previously, six Naxalites were reported killed, including three female combatants. A local youth, Vinod, described a series of powerful IED blasts that occurred within a short timeframe, leaving a lasting echo.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar