31 Bodies Recovered In Anti-Maoist Operation At Chhattisgarh-Telangana Border, Bijapur Police Declare Success

On Monday (12 May), the Chhattisgarh police announced the recovery of 31 bodies, suspected to be Maoists, from 'Operation Sankalp' carried out in the thick forests of Karregutta hills near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

The exact time of the Maoists' death remains unclear. Jitendra Yadav, the Superintendent of Police in Bijapur, stated that a press briefing on Wednesday in Bijapur will provide more detailed information about the operation.

Authorities have confirmed the identification of 20 out of the 31 deceased Maoists. After conducting post-mortem examinations and completing all necessary legal procedures, 11 of the identified bodies have been returned to their respective families.

“The identification process for the remaining 11 bodies is underway. Once the process is complete, their bodies will also be returned to their respective families,” a statement by the Bijapur police was quoted by Hindustan Times.

“So far, we have good operational outcomes in the ongoing anti-naxal operations in South-West Bastar. All security forces are safe and fully committed to ensuring a safe and secure Bastar region. As the operation is currently in progress, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time for security reasons. Authorised authorities will share further information at an appropriate time,” said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

Individuals knowledgeable on the subject reported that the operation involved over 28,000 soldiers and since 21 April, about 35 encounters have occurred.

“We have recovered more than 400 IEDs and around 40 weapons along with approximately 2 tonnes of explosive materials,” said a police officer.