Bijapur (Chhattisgarh), November 13: Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur Police have identified six Maoists killed in a November 11 encounter in the National Park area. The operation, led by the District Reserve Guard, Dantewada, and Special Task Force, was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of senior Maoist leaders in the forests of Kandulnar, Kachalaram, and Gujjakonta. The encounter, which began at 10 a.m., ended with the recovery of six bodies and a large cache of weapons, including rifles, explosives, and Maoist materials.

Among the deceased was DVCM Kanna alias Buchanna Kudiyam, a top Maoist leader with an ₹8 lakh reward, implicated in 42 criminal cases, including attacks on police camps and the killing of two teachers. Another key figure, DVCM Urmila, wife of top Maoist leader Paparao, was also killed. She was instrumental in logistics and recruitment for the Maoist network.

The remaining four were identified as ACM Jagat Tamo, PM Deve, PM Bhagat, and PM Mangli Oyam, all with significant rewards for their roles in Maoist activities.

Police officials emphasized that the operation has dealt a significant blow to Maoist influence in the West and South Bastar Divisions, with ongoing investigations into the recovered materials expected to uncover further Maoist urban network connections.