Gadchiroli May 23 (District Correspondent) As many as four hardcore Maoists were neutralised in exchange of fire with Gadchiroli Police today on the banks of river Indrawati near village Kawande in Bhamragad taluka this morning. This was informed by Mr. Nilotpal, SP in a press conference here today.
The dead naxals include two men and two women. All the four Maoists have been identified as Sannu Pungati (35), a resident of village Kawande, Ashok Wadde (38), also a resident of village Kawande, Vinjo Hoyami (25), a resident of village Podiya in Chhattisgarh and Karuna Warse (21), resident of village Gongwada in Bhamragad taluka.
Based on a credible intelligence received about presence of Maoists formations on Maharashtra Chattisgarh border near recently opened FOB Kawande, an operation led by Additional SP Ramesh and 12 C-60 parties (300 commandoes) and a component of CRPF was launched yesterday noon from Kawande and Nelgunda towards bank of Indravati River amidst heavy rain in the area.
Today morning when the cordon was being laid and river bank being searched, Maoists started indiscriminate firing on C-60 commandoes which led to effective retaliation by the police forces. Intermittent exchange of fire continued for almost two hours. Area search by forces has led to recovery of 4 Maoist dead bodies, along with some sophisticated weapons including one automatic Self-Loading Rifle, two 303 rifles and a Bharmar gun. Apart from this, walkie talkies, camping material, naxal literatures etc also have been seized from the spot.
All the four naxals were carrying rewards on their heads. While Sannu was declared a reward of Rs. 8 lakhs, the remaining three were carrying the reward of Rs. 2 lakhs each, told Mr. Nilotpal. Sannu was a commander of Bhamragad Dalam while the three who were killed in the encounter were the Dalam members.
Several serious offences including encounters, arson, murders etc were registered against these naxals. Since 2021, the Gadchiroli police have neutralized as many as 87 naxalites and arrested 124 naxalites.
Mr. Nilotpal congratulated the police officers and jawans involved in today’s operation and has appealed the Naxalites to surrender before the police. Mr.Ankit Goel, DIG, Gadchiroli Range, M. Ramesh, Additional SP (Admn.), Sathya Sai Kartik, Additional SP, Aheri were also present at the press conference.
Area search and Anti Naxal Operation is continuing in the area to search for the remaining Maoists.
