Kanker: In an encounter between security forces and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Tuesday, 29 Naxalites were killed, including 15 women, as confirmed by Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P.
Sundarraj P informed reporters on Wednesday that out of the recovered bodies, 15 were female and 14 were male, with a cache of arms and ammunition also seized.
The identities of the deceased Naxalites have yet to be officially confirmed, although senior cadres from the north Bastar division of the CPI (Maoist) are believed to be among them, including Shankar and Lalita, both divisional committee members, reports said.
Three security personnel were injured in the encounter, including a BSF inspector, a DRG personnel, and another BSF inspector, all of whom are receiving treatment in Raipur.
Weapons recovered from the scene, including AK-47s and other sophisticated firearms, suggest involvement by senior Maoists. The IG said that 71 Naxalites were killed this year alone in Chhattisgarh.
The encounter has sparked political controversy, with the Congress raising concerns about the possibility of innocent villagers being amongst the deceased.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, now a Congress candidate, expressed doubts about the encounter, alleging previous instances of fake encounters under the BJP government in the state.
Chhattisgarh State Congress Chief Deepak Baij echoed these sentiments, urging the government to substantiate claims that all those killed were indeed Naxals and respond to the allegations seriously.
