According to government sources, as reported by Indian Express, the bodies of the Maoists, members of the CPI (Maoist), were recovered after an exchange of fire in the forests near Bhandarpadar village. Acting on intelligence about Maoists from the Konta and Kistaram area committee, a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and CRPF launched the operation.
The encounter began unexpectedly during the operation, and searches conducted afterward led to the discovery of 10 bodies by 11am. The Maoists were armed with automatic weapons, including INSAS rifles, AK-47s, and SLRs, which have been seized.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the armed forces, reaffirming his government’s zero-tolerance policy toward Naxalism. He said that peace, development, and citizen security in the Maoist-affected Bastar region remain top priorities.
