IN a significant blow to the Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) affiliated with the Kanger Valley Area Committee of the banned outfit, three hardcore outlaws were neutralised in a fierce gun battle between extremists and security personnel. The slain Naxals include LOS Commander Peddaras Laxman Kuharam and ACM Soma Madavi, each carrying rewards of Rs 5 lakh. Wanted in connection with over 30 Naxal incidents spanning multiple districts in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, these outlaws reportedly posed a substantial threat to regional security. The security personnel also recovered some arms and ammunition from the encounter spot. The recoveries comprise 1 pistol, 2 firearms, BGL cell, explosive materials, Maoist uniforms, backpacks, Naxal literature, medicines, and other Naxal-related equipment. In a bid to carry out a major incident, involving prominent Naxal commanders from the Darbha Division, 30-40 armed Maoists were conducting a meeting.

 

The Dantewada (DRG), Bastar Fighters (BFR), and CRPF teams promptly thwarted the nefarious designs of the Maoists. The district police and CRPF launched a coordinated joint operation in various regions of the district. During the operation, in the jungle hills between Tumakpal and Dabba Kunna, the Maoists initiated indiscriminate firing on the team of Dantewada DRG and Bastar Fighters, intending to kill police personnel and loot weapons. In self-defense, the police responded with counteraction.

 

The Maoists fled the jungle hills, leaving behind the bodies of three Maoist commanders, 1 pistol, 2 firearms, BGL cell, explosive materials, Maoist uniforms, backpacks, Naxal literature, medicines, and other Naxal-related equipment. Two of the slain Naxals have been identified as Kanger Ghati Area Committee’s Peddaras LOS Commander Laxman Kuharam and ACM Soma Madavi, a member of Kangar Ghati Area Committee, while the identity of the third Maoist remains unknown. Kuharam and Madavi were carrying on heads a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each. As per police sources, these Naxalites were involved in various criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and possession of explosive substances, under different sections of the Arms Act.

BIJAPUR: ALERT District Reserve Guard (DRG) troopers averted a major tragic incident by successfully discovering and neutralising two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) weighing 5 kilograms each, planted on a forested patch between Palnar and Cherpal. The Bomb Disposal Squad expertly handled the situation. While engaged in demining activities, DRG personnel spotted two IEDs strategically placed between Palnar and Cherpal villages. These explosive devices, with a weight of 5 kilograms each, were positioned 10 to 15 metres apart and connected through a pressure

switch system.