Hyderabad: The encounter on Thursday in the Karakagudem forests of Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana resulted in the death of six Maoists, marking a significant setback for the movement. This is the first time such a large number of casualties has occurred in a single encounter since the formation of Telangana.
The 12-member BK-ASR (Bhadradri Kothagudem-Alluri Sitaramaraju) division committee was entirely wiped out in this encounter. One member, Masaiah, managed to escape during the crossfire, while another member, Ashok alias Vijender, was killed in a previous encounter in the Dameratogu forest area of the same district last July. Additionally, three more members were recently apprehended by the police in Charla. The committee's secretary, Koyyada Sambaiah alias Azad, was not present at the scene.
According to the police, they received reliable information that Lacchanna's group had been moving through the forests of Dameratogu, Karakagudem, Gundala, and Tadwai since last May. The Maoists attempted to return to Chhattisgarh but encountered obstacles due to the swelling of the Godavari River. The police maintained vigilance at the ferry points crossing the Godavari River and intensified combing operations, leading to the heavy losses suffered by the Maoists.
The Maoist movement has faced numerous setbacks in its efforts to establish a foothold in the state since the formation of Telangana. Several individuals, including MTech student Shruti alias Mahita and Vidyasagar Reddy alias Sagar, lost their lives in encounters with security forces in various forest areas. Additionally, the state has witnessed a number of other encounters and casualties involving prominent Maoist figures and activists.
Since the formation of Telangana, 51 Maoists have died in encounters, while 302 have surrendered. The police have also seized 136 weapons belonging to Maoists during these encounters.
