In an encounter between security personnel and Naxalites in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on April 2, 2024, nine naxalites were killed. Bijapur district falls within the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency. The Bastar Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled to go to polls in the first phase of the general elections on April 19, 2024. This incident may have significant implications for the security situation in the region, potentially influencing the political dynamics in the upcoming elections. 

The exchange of gunfire occurred at approximately 6 am in a forest close to Lendra village within the jurisdiction of Gangaloor police station. This occurred when the combined force of security personnel conducted an operation targetting the Naxalites, according to Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P. 

After the cessation of gunfire, Inspector General Sundarraj P. stated that four Naxalite bodies were discovered at the scene along with weaponry including a light machine gun, barrel grenade launchers, and various arms and ammunition. Subsequently, an additional five bodies were located at the encounter site.  

Sundarraj also mentioned that a search operation in the area was ongoing. The operation involved personnel from the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and its specialized unit known as the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). 

Naxalites typically intensify their operations during summer months, specifically between March and June, through their Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC). During this period, there was a notable increase in their activities, including attacks on security forces, particularly in the Bastar region. Prior to the recent incident, security forces reported an encounter on March 27 in the Basaguda area of Bijapur, resulting in the deaths of six Naxalites. 

With this recent development, the total number of Naxalite fatalities in encounters with security forces in the Bastar region, encompassing seven districts including Bijapur, has reached 42 for the year so far, as per police reports. 

Image Source: The Assam Tribune