Kanker (Chhattisgarh): Three days ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, at least 29 Naxals were killed in an encounter that took place with Chattisgarh Police and other security agencies here on Tuesday. Three soldiers were also injured in the encounter, police sources said.
Sundarraj P, Bastar IG, told reporters, "Security forces had received information about the presence of Naxalites of North Bastar Division of CPI Maoist in Chhotabethiya. Input was received that Naxalite Shankar, Lalita, Raju and others were hiding in the area. After this security forces started an operation in the area. During this operation, firing started from the Maoists' side and there was fierce firing from both sides. 29 Maoists were killed on the spot."
"The condition of all three soldiers is still stable and their treatment is going on. Action is being taken to identify the Maoists. Many modern weapons, including AK-47, SLR, INSAS and 3 not 3 rifles have been recovered from the spot. Kanker DRG and Border Security Force (BSF) team played an important role in carrying out this encounter," the Bastar IG added.
It is understood that the encounter started at around 2 PM.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the security forces for their success. Shah in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stated, "Today, a large number of Naxalites have been killed in the operation of security forces in Chhattisgarh. I congratulate all the security personnel who made this operation successful with their bravery and wish for the speedy recovery of the brave policemen who have been injured. Naxalism is the biggest enemy of development, peace and the bright future of youth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are determined to free the country from the scourge of Naxalism."
"Due to the offensive policy of the government and the efforts of the security forces, Naxalism has been confined to a small area today. Soon Chhattisgarh and the entire country will be completely Naxal-free," added Shah.