Kanker (Chhattisgarh): In a major setback to the Maoist movement in central India, three senior Maoist commanders — including those carrying multi-million-rupee bounties — were killed on Sunday during a fierce encounter with security forces in the Tiyarpani forests of Kanker district. The operation was jointly conducted by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Border Security Force (BSF).
Among the slain was Shravan Madkam alias Vishwanath alias Budram Punem, the Secretary of the Seetnadi-Ravash Coordination Area Committee. Shravan carried a bounty of ₹8 million, while Rajesh alias Rakesh Hemla, commander of the Nagari Area Committee, carried ₹5 million. The third, identified as Basanti Kunjam alias Hid PM, a member of the Gobralos Mainpur-Newpad Coordination Protection Team, carried a bounty of ₹1 million.
Villagers Breathe a Sigh of Relief
Basanti Kunjam had long terrorised local communities, forcing villagers to abandon their homes and live under constant fear. According to police, she disguised herself as an informer to intimidate and control the local population. News of her death brought visible relief to the villagers, with many expressing that they could now live without fear.
A Foiled Crossing Plan
The encounter took place in Chindkhark, a Maoist-affected region often used as a safe passage between Mad and Gariaband. Intelligence reports suggest that the Maoists had gathered in the area to facilitate the safe crossing of a senior leader across the state border. Around 500 personnel were deployed to surround the area and intercept the movement.
Security Forces Confirm Operation
Kanker Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela confirmed the deaths, noting that the operation was based on precise intelligence inputs. The gunfight, she added, has delivered a significant setback to the Maoist organisation.
Officials believe that the incident will disrupt coordination among Maoist groups active along the Chhattisgarh–Odisha border. Security across adjoining districts has been tightened, and additional forces have been deployed to conduct extensive area searches.
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