Chhattisgarh Timeline 2017

January 23

The SFs killed two CPI-Maoist cadres in an encounter near Padmetta village under Bedre Police Station in Bijapur District. “Two bodies of Maoists in uniform have been recovered along with one .303 service rifle, one .315 rifle and one Bharmar in Bijapur district after an encounter. The encounter took place in the forest near Padmetta village under the Bedre police station limits,” said Bijapur District SP K.L. Dhruv.

Ranjan Bala and his son Indrajit Bala (17) were injured in an IED blast triggered by the Naxals on an under-construction road in Sukma District. The incident took place near Malempalli village under Jagargunda Police Station limits while the victims were on way to Dornapal in their motorcycle.

CPI-Maoist cadres set on fire at least 15 vehicles and equipment deployed for road construction works in Bijapur District. A road is being constructed between Tarlaguda and Annaram. A combing operation is underway to trace the insurgents.

Activist Bela Bhatia was allegedly asked to vacate her house in Pandripani village in Bastar District by the villagers who held a protest outside it accusing her of being a ‘CPI-Maoist sympathiser’. In a complaint to Police, villagers alleged Bhatia had named herself as “Somari Naag or Bela Somari” (to use tribal identity) which they feel is an insult to tribal masses, told SP, RN Dash.

Hundreds of villagers of Malkangiri District of Odisha gathered in an anti-CPI-Maoist rally in Jagdalpur, administrative headquarters of Bastar District, in the bordering region of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and raised voice against the ‘torture’ by the Maoists. The Jana Varjan Samabesh/Prajameli was attended by inhabitants of at least 15 villages in the region. “In the absence of security forces and DVF, Maoists enter some remote villages and start torturing the villagers. Sometime they even rob the villagers their belongings,” said a villager. “If security is tightened in these Maoist-prone areas, then they will not dare to enter these places to trouble the innocent villagers,” stated another villager. Meanwhile Police said it will analyse the situation and take proper step. “Attending a large gathering here (Jagdalpur), the villagers of Tulsi, Mahupadar, Dundipadar and Kirmiti (Odisha) allege that a lady along with some other Maoists is torturing them. We have intensified anti-Maoist operation and deployed some forces in those regions. Very soon we will neutralize the Red Rebels who are active in the area”, said Bastar SP, RN Dash.

January 24

The CPI-Maoist cadres triggered an IED blast in Bijapur District. The blast took place when SFs were patrolling between Timmapur and Murdanda. A sniffer dog, named ‘Pluto’ died in the blast.

CM Raman Singh assured the IAF authorities at Raipur District that the Chhattisgarh Government would provide all possible assistance in conducting the ‘Indian Air Force Recruitment Rally' in insurgency-infested Districts of the State. The CM held a detailed discussion with Air Vice-Marshal O.P. Tiwari, VSM, at his official residence. Notably, the Bastar Battalion of CRPF is also being raised by recruiting 744 ST youths from four insurgency infested Districts of Bastar region in Chhattisgarh, the Central Government has informed

January 25

A CISF trooper suffered minor injuries after he was shot with arrow by CPI-Maoist cadres, in an iron ore mines area of NMDC in Dantewada District. The incident happened when a CISF patrolling team ran into a group of lower-rung ultras who were putting up pamphlets against Republic Day celebrations. On spotting the CISF troopers, CPI-Maoist cadres shot an arrow and escaped into the forests.

January 26

Chhattisgarh Governor Balramji Das Tandon said a wave of security and development coupled with the faith of people in Bastar region signals that Naxalism will come to an end soon in the State. Tandon was speaking at the 68th Republic Day function held at the Police Line grounds in Raipur District. He also added that demonetization has not only supported the country in fight against terror forces but also helped in controlling CPI –Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh.

January 27

A Naxal was killed in an exchange of fire with SFs in a dense patch of forest under Fulbagdi Police Station limits in Sukma District. SFs have recovered the body of a male Maoist, clad in uniform, along with a .303 rifle and some other items of daily use from the spot.

CPI-Maoist cadres dislodged a 1,000-year-old 4-feet long Ganesha idol and felled it from a height of about 12,000 feet into the deep gorge at Dholkal Mountain in Dantewada District. The Police blamed the Maoists for “deliberately planned to let (sic)” the structure of Ganesha idol fall from the mountain top in an “attempt to destroy” it.

January 28

CRPF jawan was killed in an explosion of a pressure bomb allegedly planted by CPI-Maoist cadres near Kottacheru village under Bhejji Police Station limits in Sukma District. The deceased, Havaldar Parasnath Saroj, was posted with the 219th battalion of CRPF, senior Police officials said. “A road construction work was going on in the area and a CRPF team was patrolling when Saroj accidentally stepped on the pressure bomb and suffered serious injuries,” the Police officials said. Later, he succumbed to his injuries.

January 29

Two Naxals including a woman were killed in an encounter with the SFs in Dantewada District. The gun battle took place in Purangel forest which comes under Kirandul Police Station limits. SFs recovered a rifle, a revolver and a huge cache of medicines. IG, S.R.P. Kalluri said, “The identity of the rebels is being ascertained. Prima facie, it appears that they belong to the medical supply team of the outlawed CPI-Maoist as a large quantity of medicines was seized from the encounter spot.”

195 lower rung Naxals, including 24 women, surrendered in Narayanpur. The surrendered Naxals expressed a wish to join the mainstream. The cadres belong to Janmilitia or Janatana Sarkar wing of CPI-Maoist. The surrendered cadres were from 24 villages of the region including Gumiyabeda, Okpaad, Mohndi, Nelnaar, Ikpaad, Murnaar, Nirameta and Kodkanaar.

Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh, in a public meeting at Bhairamgarh in Naxals hit Bijapur District in Bastar Division, urged all CPI-Maoist cadres to give up the arms and join the mainstream, saying violence and terror cannot solve any problem. "Peace and harmony are the only ways to prosper and develop the society. If Maoists quit the violent path, we are ready to embrace them", CM Singh said. "Government is building roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, providing clean drinking water and taking care of people. I wonder why the Maoists are opposing development initiatives in the region," he added.

A group of 50 CPI-Maoist cadres killed Shyamo Mandavi (25) and assaulted six villagers, including a woman in Burdikarka of Dantewada District. The slain youth had submitted an application form for local Police recruitment drive recently.

Assistant constable, Sukhuram Netam (33), was killed in an exchange of fire with the Maoists in Rajnandgaon District. A patrolling party had launched the operation from Bakarkatta area. SFs recovered CPI-Maoist-related documents, bags and other items from the encounter site.

A DRG, Constable Pratap Singh Markam, was injured when a IED blast triggered by Naxals in Dantewada District. The incident took place in the wee hours between Nayanar and Gatam villages under Katekalyan Police Station limits when a team of SFs was out on an anti-Naxal Operation, told SHO, Vijay Patel.

The Chhattisgarh Police killed Sukhram Lekam alias Sukku, a Janatana Sarkar President of the CPI-Maoist, in an exchange of fire at Pedia in Bijapur District. SFs recovered a 12 bore rifle, 10 cells, and other CPI-Maoist material from the encounter spot

A group of Naxals fired at the CISF troops at Deposit No. 5, atop Bailadila Hills near Kirandul town in Dantewada District. The CPI-Maoist cadres attacked vehicles of NMDC carrying explosives. They looted explosives and detonators and held employees hostage who have now been freed. They also set ablaze burnt machinery and two vehicles. There are no reports of death or injury.

A Jagdalpur-based organisation anti-Maoist organisation AGNI dissolved itself in Jagdalpur District. The AGNI has organised almost 15-16 rallies during the past one year across the Bastar region protesting against the CPI-Maoist activities and violence. One of them, called `Lalkar' rally, was convened by the outfit in Jagdalpur in September 2016 and attended by thousands of people. Civil rights groups and some local journalists have dubbed the AGNI as another version of the anti-Maoist militia Salwa Judum, which was banned by the Supreme Court in 2011.

A former Naxal, Phulo Markam was found killed in Jagdalpur District. Markam surrendered before Police along with 60 other CPI-Maoist cadres in Darbha in April 2016 and had joined Police as a 'Gopaniya Sainik. Phulo's brother Gagan alleged Constable Dinesh Sethia for Markam's death.

A Naxalite was killed in an exchange of fire with SFs in a dense forest under Basaguda Police Station in Bijapur District. SFs recovered the body of a male CPI-Maoist cadre along with weapon, grenades and Naxal-related material from the spot.

A villager, Barse Deva (32), was found killed by the CPI-Maoist cadres near Lakhanpal village under Chintalnar Police Station limits in Sukma District. The victim was picked up by armed rebels from his native place Konanguda, in the night of February 8, Police said.

A CPI-Maoist was killed in an exchange of fire with SFs in a dense forest pocket of Bilaspur District. SFs recovered the body of a male Maoist cadre along with weapon, grenades and Naxal -related material from the spot.

SFs recovered arms including one AK-47 rifle, its three magazines and 26 cartridges, one carbine, its one magazine and 35 cartridges after an exchange of fire with the Maoists in Rajnandgaon.

The newly appointed IG of Bastar Range, Sundarraj P asserted that "aggressive" operations against the Naxals will continue. Sundarraj said, "Security Forces are in a dominating position. The aggressiveness (in the operation) will be continued."

Police Constable, Korsa Naga was seriously injured in an exchange of fire with CPI-Maoist cadres in a dense forest pocket of Bhejji Police Station limits in Sukma District. The skirmish took place in the forest coming under Bhejji Police Station limits when a joint team of STF and DRG was out on a counter-insurgency operation, SP, Indira Kalyan Elesela said.

Four CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested by SFs from a forest of Narayanpur District. A team of DRG had launched a counter-insurgency operation on February 9 towards Mohndi, Kutul and Kodliyar villages. The Maoist cadres has been identified as Lakhma Varda (35), medical team member Sayabi Varda (45), 'militia commander' Maalu Varda (31) and 'militia member' Fagdu Usendi (25).

Chhattisgarh Police has set a base camp in the Naxals' stronghold of Bijapur District to expedite construction of a road on a national highway that leads to the neighbouring Telangana State. The camp was set up on February 8 near Taarud River between Bhadrakali and Tarlaguda to particularly facilitate the construction of bridge over the river on the under-construction strategically important Bhopalpatnam-Bhadrakali-Tarlaguda road.

A CRPF Inspector, Bhim Singh, was injured in an explosion IED planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Bijapur District. The incident took place in Mahadev Ghati area when a team of CRPF's 229th battalion was on patrolling duty.

A Naxal couple, 'commander' Punau Ram Kumeti and his wife Sarita alias Jarina surrendered in Kanker District. They cited disillusionment with CPI-Maoist ideology and violence. They surrendered before BSF and Police officials at the headquarters of BSF 165th Battalion in Durgkondal of the District.

CPI-Maoist cadres have given a call for "nationwide shutdown" on February 27 to protest against the policies of the Centre and the Chhattisgarh Government in Raipur District. The Naxals claimed that the demonetization has led to inflation, unemployment and poverty in the country. They also demanded release of seven members of TDF jailed in Sukma jail and halting of search operations and 'fake encounters' against the Maoists in the region.

An IED laid by CPI-Maoist cadres was recovered by SFs from Sarkeguda Police Station limits in Bijapur District. The IED, weighing five kilograms, detected by a team of CRPF personnel was planted by Maoists to target SF personnel during their operation in the area, a senior Police official said, adding it was later defused.

CPI-Maoist cadre, Bhandari Rammurty (24), was arrested from a place under Usoor Police Station in Bijapur District. A joint team of CRPF and District Force launched a search operation around Galgam, Bhusapur and Marudbaka villages in Usoor region, and rounded up Rammurty who was trying to escape after spotting the patrolling party, Police said. During interrogation, Rammurty admitted to his involvement in the indiscriminate firing on SFs in the Usoor forests on December 13, 2015, Police added.

In an exchange of fire with the SFs, two cadres of CPI-Maoist were killed in two separate encounters in Bijapur District and Sukma District. In Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh, one female CPI-Maoist cadre was killed and two weapons were recovered in a joint operation of Telangana Greyhounds and Bijapur District Police. In Sukma District of Chhattisgarh, STF and the DRG killed one CPI-Maoist cadre and two weapons were recovered. No injuries were reported among the SFs.

SFs killed seven CPI-Maoist cadres in an exchange of fire in Narayanpur District. According to AIG of Police of the ANO, Devnath, three deceased were identified as CPI-Maoist Bodh Ghat area committee member and LOS 'commander' Nirmala, Deputy LOS 'commander' Somji and area committee member Nasik. All three carried a reward of INR 500,000. Two INSAS rifles and four other weapons were also recovered.

A CRPF jawan Ghanshyam of 212 Battalion was injured in an IED blast in Sukma. The blast took place near Paidigudem village under the Kistaram Police Station limits when the CRPF team was out on a patrol.

Mangal Mara (25), a native of Timapur village was injured in an IED blast, triggered by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Bijapur District. The incident took place between Timapur and Murdanda villages under Basaguda Police Station limits, Bijapur ASP, Mohit Garg said. CPI-Maoist cadres have planted the IEDs to target SFs on this strategically important route often used by SFs. Security personnel have set up their camps both in Timapur and Murdanda.

Five cadres of CPI-Maoist were arrested by SFs from the forest of Ganganpalli village under Basaguda Police Station limits in Bijapur District. One of the arrested Maoists is Velkamrama (25), who was active as head of DAKMS and carried a reward of INR 100,000. The other four arrested Maoists were identified as Podiyam Shankar (25), Karam Ramesh (20), Odiyam Hurra (25) and Sodhi Samaiyya (30), all active as lower rung members.

The 44 ITBP recovered explosives along with empty cans and Naxal literature recovered at Pallemadi village in Rajnandgaon District .

District Force and CRPF 85 Battalion arrested a CPI-Maoist cadre from Bijapur District. SFs also demolished a Naxal memorial during the time the search operation to find the Naxalites were on. The identity of the Maoist is yet to be ascertained.

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze a private passenger bus in Bijapur District. Security has been stepped up across Bastar division which comprises the Districts of Dantewada, Bijapur, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Sukma and Kanker.

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze two vehicles, in two separate incidents including a private passenger bus in Dantewada District. The bus was set ablaze near Gatam village and a MUV was set ablaze at Karcheli. Nobody was injured in the two incidents. SFs were rushed to both the spots and a combing operation was launched.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres surrendered before Police in Dantewada District. The identity of the CPI-Maoist cadres is yet to be ascertained.

The CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze trucks and damaged a culvert on National Highway in Sukma District. Two trucks were set ablaze by CPI-Maoist cadres in Kukanar Police Station of the District. The CPI-Maoist cadres also blew up an under-construction culvert near Pedakurti village under Dornapal Police Station in the District. The Maoist cadres damaged a slurry pipeline belonging to a private steel company in Gadiras area of the District bordering Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh.

A special NIA court in Bilaspur District sentenced five Naxal sympathisers to ten years of imprisonment for acting as couriers of the CPI-Maoist and supplying explosives to them. The five sympathisers are identified as Babulal Sharma, Tarak Kundu, Katiyaram Nareti, Rajesh Dhurva and Shatrughan Vaishnav. The court also slapped a fine of INR 500 on each of them. Chhattisgarh has two NIA courts, one at Bilaspur District and another at Dantewada District. This is the first case in the state in which an NIA court has given its verdict.

Five CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested by SFs near forests of Parcheli village under Katekalyan Police Station limits of the Dantewada District. Those arrested were identified as Hidma Vetti (22), Pojja Vetti (22), Somaru Mandavi (20), Somdu Vetti (20) and Fagnu Vetti (19), all natives of Parcheli village. They were involved in setting ablaze two vehicles, including a passenger bus, in Dantewada District on February 26.

One woman CPI-Maoist cadre killed in an encounter with SFs at Jagdalpur in Bastar District. Arms and ammunition were also recovered in the search operation.

A top woman CPI-Maoist cadre Budhri alias Geeta surrendered before the Commandant of CRPF's 80th Battalion at Jagdalpur in Bastar District. Budhri, a member of military wing of CPI-Maoist - PLGA was absconding for several years and SFs had announced a reward of INR 800,000 on her head. She carried a 303 rifle with her.

The Home Minister of Chhattisgarh, Ramsewak Paikra, informed Chhattisgarh Assembly, in Raipur District, that a total of 3,507 Naxal incidents took place in the State between 2010 to 2016. The Minister informed that a total of 205 CRPF jawans, 43, SPO, 210 Chhattisgarh Police and 49 of other SFs were martyred during the period. He stated, a total of 2,057 Maoists surrendered during the period, 4,939 were arrested and 140 prosecuted. There are 34 Maoists against whom trials are yet to start.

Two SF personnel of the CAF 10th battalion were killed and two others sustained injuries in an exchange of fire with the CPI-Maoist cadres near Cherli village under Mirtur Police Station limits in Bijapur District, when a joint team of CAF and District Police was out on a road security operation. The two slain SFs were Hemant Kumar, constable of the CAF and Gubba Ram, assistant constable of District Police.

A joint squad of District Force and ITBP recovered two IEDs, allegedly planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres during a search operation in the interiors of Iragaon area in Kondagaon District. The explosives, one IED weighed 10 kilograms, another was of around five kilograms, packed in steel tiffin boxes were seized from a dirt track near Churegaon village under the Iragaon Police Station limits, a District Police official said.

A BSF officer was injured, when an IED, apparently planted by the CPI-Maoist, exploded while it was being defused by a BDS in Kanker District. The incident took place near a BSF camp in Korenar village under Bande Police Station limits. The injured officer was identified as Assistant Commandant Pradeep M, attached to the BSF's 171 Battalion. The home-made bomb was placed beneath the ground on a dirt track between Korenar village and the BSF camp, about 125 kilometres from Raipur, and it was spotted during a search operation by security personnel.

A former Sarpanch, Madvi Dula (55), was killed by CPI-Maoist cadres at in Tokanpalli forest under Chintagufa Police station in Sukma District. Dula was abducted by Maoists, on March 9, on suspicion of being a 'Police informer'.

Two women CPI-Maoist cadres, Tati Bheema and Kunjam Somdi, were arrested from Usoor Police Station area in Dantewada District. SFs recovered a .303 rifle, 41 live rounds, electronic detonators and Maoist uniform.

Twelve personnel of the 219th battalion of the CRPF were killed and another four injured when CPI-Maoist cadres ambushed a road opening party in the dense forests near Kottacheru village under Bhejji Police Station in the Sukma District of Chhattisgarh. Commenting on the attack, acting CRPF DG, Sudeep Lakhtakia stated, "The troops were part of the road clearing party that has been securing an under-construction road between Bhejji and Kottacheru. They were ambushed by Naxals who set off multiple hidden IEDs on the ground and opened fire. The squad effectively retaliated before twelve made the supreme sacrifice." However, no casualty among the Maoists was reported. Meanwhile, the Maoists looted six INSAS assault rifles, four AK-47 assault rifles, a light machine gun, at least 1,587 rounds of ammunition, an UBGL, a 51mm mortar, and two radio sets from the slain personnel. The deceased CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Jagjit Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspectors H.B. Bhatt and Narender Kumar Singh, Head Constables Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi and P.R. Minde and Constables Mangesh Pal Pandey, Rampal Singh Yadav, Goraknath, Nand Kumar Patra, Satish Kumar Verma, K Shankar and Suresh Kumar.

Assistant constable, Phagu Ram Mandavi (42) of the CRPF was killed by a group of CPI-Maoist cadres in Bijapur District. Mandavi was visiting Bodli village 'Mela' (fair) under Bangpal Police Station.

In an address to a conference, via video conferencing from Raipur District, on ''Counter-Terrorism'' in New Delhi, CM Raman Singh, said that effective and good governance will spell the death-knell of Naxalism and terrorism. He added that LWE had been brought to an end in Surguja division. The authorities are working on the socio-economic front in Bastar division and the results will be known soon. Further, he told that the LWE had destroyed education, health, roads and communications links in the far-flung regions of Bastar division. He also elaborated that, medical services are being expanded in Bijapur District under the new innovative model. Five Prayas Residential schools had been opened in Raipur, Bilaspur, Ambikapur (Surguja), Jagdalpur (Bastar) and Durg Divisions to cater to the educational needs of children in the Naxalites' violence affected Districts. He also informed that additional funds of INR 2 billion for Dantewada and INR 4 billion for Korba had been allocated under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's DMFP. It had created a positive environment in the regions.

Two cadres of the CPI-Maoist were killed in an encounter with SFs in Narayanpur District. The skirmish took place between a team of the DRG and CPI-Maoist cadres near Kochwahi village under Narayanpur Police Station limits. SFs recovered a .315 rifle, a country-made revolver, two wireless sets and Naxal LWE related materials. Two powerful IED weighing 25 kilograms each were also recovered. A massive combing operation has been launched in the region to trace the attackers.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres, Bijja Poonem (26) and Raghu Kadiyam (31), were arrested from Bijapur District. Two of them were carrying a reward of INR 5,000 on their head.

Eleven CPI-Maoist cadres surrendered during 'Police Mitra' programme at the Ongnaar village under Benoor Police Station limits in Narayanpur District of Chhattisgarh. Of the surrendered, Nemchand Gavde, Ramsingh Potai, Giluram Potai, Sonu Gavde, Manghal Singh Korram, Bholu Ram Potai, Dhansingh Vadde, Ghasia Potai and Sudu Ram Salam, were carrying low cash rewards on their heads. Besides, warrant was pending against Jamru Ram Potai and Sumita Kavde.

Chhattisgarh Police arrested Raju Korcha, a 'platoon commander' of CPI-Maoist, carrying reward of INR 800,000 on his head from Rengawahi area of Kanker District.

Six Maoists including a senior woman cadre and two Policemen were killed while three SFs personnel, including two SI were injured in a gun-battle in forests of restive Dantewada District in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh. An injured Maoist cadre was also arrested from the spot. IGP in-charge Bastar Range Sundarraj P said, "The skirmish took place at around 2 PM between a team of state Police's DRG and the ultras in the jungles of Burgum village under Aranpur Police station limits." During search, five bodies of ultras, including two women, belonging to Malangir Area Committee of Maoists, and a few weapons, including one AK 47 rifle and one INSAS rife, were recovered, the IG said, adding one injured Maoist was arrested. However, DRG constable Nirmal Netam and a Gopniya Sukram Gavde also killed in the exchange of fire, he added. Of the women Maoists killed in the encounter, one was identified as Palle, who was active as 'secretary' of Malangir Area Committee and member of Darbha Divisional Committee of Maoists and another as Vijje, a member of the same area committee, he said. Palle was carrying a reward of INR 800,000 on her head while Vijje was carrying a reward of INR 500,000, Police said. The identity of three other Maoists was being ascertained, he added.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in an encounter with SFs near Burgam village in Dantewada District. SFs also recovered an AK series rifle from the encounter site.

Five CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested, in two separate incidents, by SFs during a search operation in Bijapur District of Bastar Division. In the first incident, a CPI-Maoist, identified as Uika Baru (50), was arrested from an unspecified area under Basaguda Police Station. In other incident, four lower rank CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested by CRPF's 199th Battalion and District Force from an unspecified area under Mirtur Police Station. Those arrested were identified as Bhima Telam (25), Ayatu Banjam alias Bodda (30), Sukman Vanjam (25) and Baman Mandavi (25).

A joint squad of District Force and CRPF's 195th Battalion arrested two CPI-Maoist cadres from an area under Katekalyan Police Station in Dantewada. The arrestees were identified as Hando Mandavi son of Budhram Mandavi and Kosa Mandavi son of Deva, both native of Metapal village. Maoists were carrying cash reward of INR 100,000 each.

Two Police constables, identified as Budra and Mansai posted at Darbha Police Station were injured in an encounter between SFs and the CPI-Maoist cadres in Bastar District. Police recovered some Naxal documents, uniform and other related materials from the spot.

An encounter took place between SFs and CPI-Maoist cadres at Kanker District. However, there were no reports of causalities.

A Policeman was killed by CPI-Maoist cadres in Bijapur District of Bastar Division. The incident took place at Kuprel village coming under Farsegarh Police Station limits when the Assistant Constable Tarun Sodi (29) had gone there for some personal work, Bijapur District SP KL Dhruv said. A group of Maoists reached into the village and shot Sodi before slitting his throat with a sharp edged weapon, the SP further said.

The Chhattisgarh High Court at Bilaspur District rejected the bail application of the seven activists from Telangana, who were arrested by the Chhattisgarh Police in Sukma District in December 2016. They were charged of carrying CPI-Maoist literature and banned currency. They were booked under Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act.

SFs destroyed a solar-powered printing press installed by the CPI-Maoist on a mountain top in a remote forest of Madopara in Sukma District. The printing unit was reportedly used to publish documents, statements and other publications of the banned organization. "During a search operation, the forces found a small printing press set up, powered by portable solar panels. Some printed documents and other publications of the Maoists were traced at the location. This is the first time that the police have found out such a setup used by Maoists," said a senior Police officer. Acting on a tip-off about the location of Maoist leaders, a joint team of District Police Force and the DRG launched a search operation and reached the area. "The rebels, after being cornered, had opened fire on the troopers. There was exchange of fire following which the ultras fled. The forces further continued their movement and found the printing press unit, heavy batteries and solar plates on the mountain", the Police said.

John Szlazak, a Canadian national who went missing from Sukma District on March 27, returned safe. Szlazak, who was on a bicycle expedition from Mumbai to Bastar, was allegedly held by lower-rung CPI-Maoist cadres in Singamadgu village under Chintagufa Police Station limits of Sukma District. "He is safe. He is reported to be in Singamadgu village area with 'Sangham' (local Maoist group) members," Sukma, SP, Abhishek Meena said. The officer said the Canadian national hadn't been taken hostage, but it seemed to be "a case of communication gap."

At least 33 cadres of the CPI-Maoist, including half-a-dozen middle level ranking cadres (surrendered) laid down arms to join the mainstream in Bastar District. Significantly, 14 of these surrendered Maoists hailed from Bhudrimahu village, considered citadel of dreaded Kanger Valley Area Committee operating in the District. "Significance of today's surrender of Naxals is fall of the citadel of the Kanger Valley Area Committee," Bastar range IGP in-charge P. Sunder Raj said. Kanger Valley Area Committee, functioning under Darbha Division of the CPI-Maoist, was considered the most ruthless unit of the outlawed outfit.

IPS officer Vivekananda Sinha was transferred to Bastar region as its IGP, an official statement said. Sinha, currently the IGP of Bilaspur, is succeeded in that post by P.S. Gautam, who was currently IG (Administration) at the Police headquarters, while Sundarraj P. has been divested on the additional charge of IGP, Bastar, according to an order issued by Chattisgarh Government's Home Department.

An IED allegedly planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres was recovered under a culvert near Mohpal village in Kondagaon District. The explosive, weighing around 20 kilograms and packed in a steel container, was planted under the culvert in the Badedongar area of the District, ASP, Maheshwar Nag said. The explosive was immediately destroyed on the spot; Nag said adding that it was meant to harm the security personnel during their operations in the area.

CPI-Maoist cadres allegedly killed a former Salwa Judum activist in Bijapur District. Modiam Somlu (50) was fatally attacked by the Maoists at Loharpara village in the District early this morning, Police said. Somlu, a native of Pundri village, had gone to Loharpara, to fetch 'sulfi' when a group of armed rebels stormed there. The Maoists pumped bullets into him and also stabbed him with sharp-edged weapons, he said.

A group of CPI-Maoist cadres allegedly set ablaze two poclain machines and a truck engaged in laying water pipeline in Dantewada District. The incident took place near Muchnar village under Barsoor Police limits where a water pipeline is being laid. A group of rebels stormed at the work site and after threatening the workers to leave the place, they set on fire two poclain machines engaged in excavation work and a truck parked at the spot this morning, he said. "No one was injured in the incident," Police said.

A CPI-Maoist cadre who was allegedly involved in the murder of two sarpanchs was arrested from Dantewada District. Laxman Bhaskar (45), active as a 'Janmilitia' member of Maoists, was arrested from the District hospital in Dantewada town where he had arrived for his treatment, Police said.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres, allegedly involved in the last month's attack on a CRPF patrolling team in Bhejji in South Bastar on March 11, in which 12 troopers were killed, were arrested from Sukma District. The cadres, identified as Padam Mukka (28) and Kuram Guddi (27), were picked up by a joint team of the DRG and the District Force from Konta Police Station area. While Mukka was active as the head of 'Janatana Sarkar' squad of Maoists, Guddi is a 'jan militia' member. They are natives of Jinetong village in Bhejji area, Police said.

The BSF has set up two new posts in the Naxal-affected Kanker District, to facilitate road construction projects. "Both the COB was set up last week in the highly sensitive region of Kanker bordering with Maharashtra," IG, Frontier Headquarters of BSF in Bhilai, Mahendra Singh said. One BSF post has been set up at Kanhargaon village which is on the border of Kanker and Gadchiroli (Maharashtra) to ensure security to the Bande-Irpanar road and the other at Charre-Marre village for the Antagarh-Amabeda road, he said.

A 28-year-old man was allegedly killed by CPI-Maoist cadres on suspicion of being a 'Police informer' in Kanker District. The body of Sagau Ram Sori was found in the forests near his native Belodi village under Amabeda Police Station limits. Prima facie Sori was strangled, a District Police official said.

A sniffer dog of the CRPF famed as 'Crackers' died and his handler was injured when a pressure bomb planted by Maoists went off in Bijapur District. The incident occurred when a ROP of CRPF's 170th battalion was returning to its camp after a combing operation in Modakpal Police Station area, a District Police official said. The ROP, accompanied by a sniffer dog, had launched the operation from its camp in Chinna Kodepal village.

Two women cadres of the CPI-Maoist, Maso Vekko (30) and Madkami Nande (24), were arrested from an unspecified place in Dantewada District. Vekko, a member of 'Military Platoon no.16' of CPI-Maoist, was carrying a cash reward of INR 200,000 and Nande, a member of Malangir LOS, carried a reward of INR 100,000. Police also recovered 12 bore Gun, a machine used in repairing guns and commodities of daily.

A joint team of CRPF and District Force arrested two CPI-Maoist cadres from Bijapur District. The arrested CPI-Maoist cadres were identified as Ichami Boti (36) and Laxman (28). The duo was facing charges related to murder, attempt to murder, abduction, arson and possession of illegal arms.

Disbanded anti- CPI-Maoist front, the AGNI, regroups in Bastar District. AGNI came into existence for the second time during a meeting of "imminent citizens" in Jagdalpur. The former convener of the AGNI, Anand Mohan Mishra and representatives from some other organizations like the Bastar chamber of commerce met at Jagdalpur. Many imminent citizens stressed on the need of the existence of AGNI during this meeting. After this meeting, Sampat Jha and Subba Rao have decided to announce that the AGNI has been regrouped again," said a statement circulated by the AGNI.

Two women cadres of the CPI-Maoist, Maso Vekko and Madkami Nande, were arrested from two separate places in Dantewada District. Vekko, a member of Military Platoon no.16 of CPI-Maoist, was carrying a cash reward of INR 200,000 and Nande, a member of Malangir LOS, carried a reward of INR 100,000. Police also recovered 12 bore Gun, a machine used in repairing guns and commodities of daily.

The GoI has informed that Chhattisgarh is one of the eight States which has requested the MHA for waiving off cost of charges towards deployment of CAPFs in the State. As many as 259 battalions of CAPF were deployed in Chhattisgarh's LWE-affected regions as on 2015-16. The deployment in other States was as follows- Andhra Pradesh (16), Telangana (12), Bihar (57), Jharkhand (144), Madhya Pradesh (8), Maharashtra (34), Odisha (102), Uttar Pradesh (six), and West Bengal (53). A total of 691 battalions of CAPF were deployed across the country in LWE areas as on 2015-16, Officials stated. A total of 106 Districts in the States are considered as LWE-affected. Of these, Bihar has maximum 22 Districts, followed by Jharkhand (21), Odisha (19), Chhattisgarh (16), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, - both eight each, West Bengal and Maharashtra, - both four each, Uttar Pradesh- three and Madhya Pradesh, one.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed a tribal, identified as Chaitu Uika, on suspicion of being a 'Police informer' after holding a 'Jan adalat' in Bijapur District. As per information, the armed CPI-Maoist cadres, on April 3, abducted Uika from his native place Kamkanaar, located around eight kilometres away from Gangaloor, and tortured him for a week.

A CPI-Maoist, Budhram Kunjam, allegedly involved in the murder of a former 'Salwa Judum' worker, was arrested in Bijapur District. 'Salwa Judum' was disbanded in 2011, after Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional.

A 13-year-old boy, Sumrit, was killed and a minor girl, Kavita, was injured in an IED blast suspected to have been laid by the CPI-Maoist cadres, in Kanker District of Chhattisgarh. CPI-Maoist cadres on many occasions have planted IEDs at several places, targeting SFs deployed in Bastar region, killing personnel besides villagers.

Two personnel of the STF, APC Rakesh Singh and constable Mukesh Kunjam, were injured when a pressure bomb, laid by the cadres of CPI-Maoist, went off in Dantewada District. The incident took place near Gudse village under Katekalyan Police Station limits when the SFs were returning after an anti-Naxal operation.

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa visited the Naxal-infested Bastar District. The aim of the visit was to boost the morale of the IAF personnel deployed there. A statement issued by the MoD said, "During the visit, he was briefed by the local commanders of various paramilitary forces deployed in Bastar area. He reviewed the operational preparedness of forces deployed in the sector. He also interacted with personnel from various state agencies and air warriors to boost their morale." The IAF has been operating its helicopters in the Bastar region since the past several years to give logistical support of CAPF and Police personnel fighting the LWEs in the state.

A villager Sanna Markam (35) was killed and Sannu Markami (45) was injured in a blast of a pressure bomb, which was planted by the cadres of CPI-Maoist, in Sukma District. According to the Police, the incident took place when the villagers of Takahwada were heading towards the jungle area to celebrate a local festival.

Five cadres of CPI-Maoist, including a woman, surrendered in Bijapur District. Those surrendered were identified as Shanti alias Rambati Modiam (25), Raju Vacham (25), Munna Veladi (28), Somaru Mandavi (25) and Manoj Bhogami (22). Of them, Shanti was active as a member of a 'military company' of the CPI-Maoist carrying a reward of INR 800,000 on her head. Vacham, a member of a Local Organisation Squad (LOS), and Veladi (28), a 'deputy commander', were carrying cash rewards of INR 300,000 and INR 200,000, respectively, on their heads.'

Hadma Madkam (30), a 'Jan militia' commander' of the CPI-Maoist, was arrested by SFs near Parcheli and Chikpal villages in Dantewada District. He was allegedly involved in the IED blast triggered by Naxals on April 17 near Gudse village in which two STF jawans were injured. He was carrying a cash reward of INR 100,000 on his head.

Chhattisgarh Police along with the CRPF arrested a woman Naxal from Gadiras region of Dantewada District. She was carrying a reward of INR 100,000 on her head.

At least 25 CRPF personnel and injured another six in an ambush at Kalapattar in the Burkapal area of the Sukma District. According to details, an estimated 200-300 Maoists attacked the CRPF personnel who were out to provide protection for road construction work in the area. The Maoists had also looted at least 21 weapons, ammunition and 22 bullet proof jackets from the possession of the slain CRPF personnel.

The brazen attack by CPI-Maoist cadres, which left 25 CRPF personnel dead and seven injured in Sukma District on April 24, was likely planned by a wanted CPI-Maoist 'commander' Situ. Situ was camping in Tarmetla village, barely 7-8 kilometres from the scene of the attack. SFs also told reporters that the attack was led by a PLGA Battalion 1 headed by Hidma. A Class 8 dropout, Hidma belongs to Jagargunda in Sukma District and is said to wield tremendous influence on the locals in the region.

In an audio tape broadcast by a television channel Nikhil aka Niranjan Rout, spokesperson of DKSZC of CPI-Maoist said the Sukma attack, was in retaliation for the slaying of nine CPI-Maoist cadres in Odisha. In the name of democracy, a fascist rule is being carried out, this is revenge for that. The CPI-Maoist leader in his message appealed the SF personnel and the lower rung of Government administration to quit their jobs.

CPI-Maoist 'commanders' Hidma, Situ and Sonu are named in an FIR, in connection with the April 24 ambush in Sukma District, in which 25 personnel of the CRPF were killed.

A two-member team of UHM, Senior Security Advisor, K Vijay Kumar and acting CRPF Chief, Sudeep Lakhtakia told the Government that there was no evidence that the bodies of the CRPF personnel killed in a CPI-Maoist attack on April 24 were mutilated.

In a high-level meeting, senior officers decided that the focus of counter-insurgency would be shifted to core CPI-Maoist areas in a 1,000 Sq Km area between Dornapal-Jagargunda in Sukma District. The meeting has decided to demand before the Union Government to deploy additional 12,000 specialised security personnel such as 10 battalions of CoBRA, and the Naga battalion, famous for countering guerrilla warfare. Officers also placed a demand of two additional battalions of DRS, comprising local tribal's youth and surrendered Naxals.

Two tribal families were allegedly evicted by suspected CPI-Maoist cadres from their village in Kondagaon District of Chhattisgarh. Victims said Maoists had threatened them to leave their homes in Tumdiwal village earlier this week after they refused to provide them with ration and levy to the outlaws. The victims said in their statement that a group of Maoists were recovering 20 kilograms of rice and levy from each home in the village in Mardapal area, , Kondagaon, SP, Ashutosh Singh informed. When they denied giving anything to the rebels, they held a 'Janadalat' on April 27, where the victim families, comprising at least 12 members including children were accused of acting as 'police informers' and asked to vacate the village, the official said. Besides, Maoists also looted valuable and articles from the house of the two families, he said.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres identified as, Baaglu Alaami (30) and Koparam Netam, were arrested from Barsoor Police Station area in Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh. Acting on a tip-off that two active cadres of Indravati Area Committee of Maoists have arrived in Barsoor to procure commodities of daily use, a joint team of CRPF's 195th battalion and local Police raided the site and arrested them. Alaami was active as a member of military platoon number-16 of Maoists, the official said adding that he was carrying a reward of INR 200,000 on his head. Similarly, Netam was working as a lower-rung jan militia member, he added.

A joint squad of CAF and District Force arrested three cadres of CPI-Maoist from the forests under Pushpal Police Station area in Sukma District. Those arrested were identified as Kawasi Hadma (32) from Darbha area of Bastar District, and Ramnath Nag (21) and Buchha Dhurwa (24), both natives of Malkangiri District in Odisha.

SFs busted a Naxal transit camp in Narayanpur District. SFs recovered Maoist uniforms, couple of detonators, a powerful IED, gunpowder, crackers, banner, clothes, electric wire, medicines and commodities of daily use from the camp.

A villager, Jaaglu Ram Nag (35), was killed by CPI-Maoist cadres after branding him as a 'Police informer' in Kondagaon District.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in an exchange of fire with SFs in Bijapur District. The identities of the deceased CPI-Maoist is yet to be ascertained.

11 persons were being interrogated by SFs, for their suspected links to the last week's (April 24) CPI-Maoist attack on CRPF personnel, in Sukma District.

A joint team of CRPF and District Force arrested four CPI-Maoist cadres from two separate places in Dantewada District. In the first incident, CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Hadma, Hinga Muchaki and Bhima were arrested from Aranpur Police Station area. In second incident, a Jan Militia member- Rakesh Bhaskar was arrested from Bandipara Kamloor village by local Police.

CM, Raman Singh emphasised on the need to win the locals confidence and form a District-level Unified Operation Command in Maoist-affected Districts of Chhattisgarh, at the State secretariat in Raipur District.

Minister of State MHA, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir reviewed the Maoist problem in Sukma District where the CPI-Maoist cadres massacred 25 security personnel last month.

The CRPF has ordered "immediate" shifting of the command headquarters of the force's central zone from Kolkata to Raipur. Officials said that newly appointed CRPF Director General Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar had been asked to ensure that the command begins functioning from Raipur before the high-level meeting of Naxal -hit states in New Delhi on May 8.

The central zone, an operational field formation, was set up on August 7, 2009. Headquartered in Raipur District, it was given the responsibility of deployment of CRPF troops in the entire 'Red belt' of states hit by Naxal violence including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The headquarters was moved to Kolkata in July 2010 after the Dantewada attack exposed the problem of poor rail and air connectivity in Raipur

SFs averted a major mishap by recovering a powerful IED, planted by CPI-Maoist cadres, in Kanker District.

To defang the CPI-Maoist cadres and their arsenal, the CRPF will soon deploy a fresh squad of about 2,000 Commandos from its special guerrilla warfare CoBRA battalions in and around the Sukma District. The CoBRA is masters of guerrilla warfare and is capable of operating in the dense jungles of southern Chhattisgarh - the self-proclaimed headquarters of the CPI-Maoist.

Two BSF troopers were injured in an attack by the CPI-Maoist cadres at Pakhanjore area in Kanker District. Special DG, DM Awasthi told Indian Express, that CPI-Maoist cadres were being chased towards the Maharashtra border.

Two personnel of the DRG were injured in an encounter with CPI-Maoist cadres in Bijapur District. Officials said the encounter took place at about 10:00 a.m. near the forests of Timarpur-Basaguda axis in the District, when a security squad led by the CoBRA commandos of the CRPF had an exchange of fire with Maoists in the area.

SFs killed a CPI-Maoist 'commander', identified as Vilas alias Kailash alias Aaytu, in an encounter in Bastar District. Vilas, the secretary of the Barsoor area committee of the CPI-Maoist, had a reward of INR 1.6 million on his head. "We got specific intelligence that Vilas would be in the area to collect levies on tendu leaves. We mobilised several teams. When they reached the area, there was an exchange of fire. In the exchange, Vilas was shot dead. We found an AK-47, a revolver and other items at the spot," Bastar SP, Arif Sheikh, said. Vilas was a local adivasi from Chhota Dongar in Narayanpur. His influence stretched from Satdhar Bridge in Barsoor to the forests in Narayanpur and Kondagaon Districts.

A STF jawan, identified as Salabh Upadhyay, succumbed to his injuries during treatment in Bijapur District. Upadhyay had sustained bullet injuries on his head in the exchange of fire between SFs and CPI-Maoist cadres which took place in a restive forest pocket of Bijapur's Basaguda Police Station area on May 14, said DIG (Dantewada region), Sundarraj P.

At least 15 CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in five days by SFs in Chhattisgarh, the CRPF said, but added not a single body has been recovered so far. One CRPF trooper was also killed in the operations while two others were injured, a spokesperson of the CRPF said in Delhi. Some of the slain rebels could have been involved in an ambush that killed 25 CRPF jawans in Sukma on April 24, one of the biggest losses faced by the central force engaged in anti-insurgency operations in the state, it said. The number of Maoist casualties was based on information provided by villagers on the borders of Sukma and Bijapur Districts besides the ground troops, the official added.

Eight CPI-Maoist cadres, allegedly involved in the deadly attack on CRPF personnel last month, were arrested from two places in Sukma District. Five of them were arrested from Chintalnar Police Station limits, while the rest from Chintagufa Police Station area during joint search operations carried out by CoBRA of the CRPF and District Police Force, Sukma's ASP, Jitendra Shukla, said. Among the arrested rebels, Madkam Kesha (25), Madvi Kosa (30) and Tati Kosa (25) were associated with the DAKMS, a wing of CPI-Maoist, while Oyam Hadma (21) and Kunjam Vichem (25) were members of 'Jan Militia', a special unit of the CPI-Maoist, the senior officer said. The rest were identified as Rava Dewa (25), Kunjam Aaytu (50) and Madkam Bheema (52), all members of Gram Party Committee of CPI-Maoist, the ASP said.

Twenty-one CPI-Maoist cadres, including a member of 26th number PLGA Platoon and Jan militia 'Commander' carrying cash reward worth lakhs of rupees each on their head surrendered in Bastar District headquarters Jagdalpur. IGP, Bastar Range Viveknand Sinha said that out of them, 14 were from Darbha Division's Kanger Valley and the remaining seven from Ketekalyan Area Committee. "They include a platoon member, a LOS member, people's militia members, a member of DAKMS area committee, four from the CNM, and two Sangham members," he said. DIG, Sundarraj P. said that the platoon member Lakshman hailed from Bhadrimahu village from where 14 other Maoists had surrendered earlier, leading to the Ketekalyan Area Committee becoming defunct. IGP, Sinha said that Lakshman Madkami, the PLGA Platoon member carried a reward of INR 200,000 on him. Similarly, Bharsuram Mandavi, Jan militia 'Commander' and Arjun Kashyap, Member of Kutul LOS carried a reward of INR 100,000 each. He further said that while three surrendered cadre are from Tulsi village of Malkangiri District in Odisha besides the woman Maoist cadre Mangli Markam, Member of CNM - the cultural outfit of Maoists also surrendered.

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze a tractor and a mixture machine engaged in road construction work in Narayanpur District. They warned workers against getting involved in construction works and then fled into the forests.

The BSF busted a Maoist hideout and recovered a cache of arms and Naxal banners from a dense forest in Kanker District. SFs also recovered 10 SBML guns hidden inside the cavity of two separate trees.

Chhattisgarh Police arrested three people and recovered a large quantity of explosive materials meant for the Maoists in the State in two different places in Bastar District and Sukma District. Police also recovered 300 electronic detonators, 250 gelatine sticks, and four bundles of wires

The Chhattisgarh High Court ordered Bastar Police to produce 'surrendered' CPI-Maoist Podiyam Panda next Monday (May 22) in Raipur District. The court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Panda's wife Muiyye, who has alleged that Police detained him illegally and did not allow her to meet him in custody.

The intelligence sources told that over 100 armed guerrillas of CPI-Maoist from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have sneaked into south Bastar and were spotted in the jungles of Bijapur-Sukma region. According to the intelligence, CPI-Maoist cadres are planning a repeat of the April 24 Sukma attack, in which 25 CRPF jawans were killed, by launching a major operation against SFs.

Four CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested in Sukma District. The rebels were arrested when a joint team of DRG and STF were carrying out a search operation on the forested hills between Kunna and Jongeras villages. Those arrested were identified as Kawasi Erra (25), Hidma Ram Markam (25), both 'Jan Militia' members while two others - Podiyam Hadma (26) and Devraj Markam (23) - are members of DAKMS - a frontal wing of the Maoists. Two electrical detonators, wires, battery were recovered from them. Based on the statement of the arrested Maoists, a tiffin bomb, three arrow bombs, two more detonators, a camera flash, a wireless receiver, a solar plate, Maoist uniform, huge quantity of medicines and stitching materials were also seized from a location.

In the wake of two major attacks by Maoists against the CRPF in Sukma District, the State Government made operational the joint command and control centre at Jagdalpur, the District headquarter of Bastar District, a long-standing demand of the SFs. The move would help SFs in conducting real-time anti-Maoist operations with the help of UAV.

Surrendered Maoist, Podiyam Panda, informed the Chhattisgarh High Court that he was not coerced by the Police to surrender. Panda was produced before the High Court in Bilaspur, in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife, Muiye.

The CRPF has suspended a commander, for "leadership failure" during a road-opening patrol in Sukma District (Chhattisgarh) on April 24 during which 25 jawans were killed by CPI-Maoist cadres. A senior CRPF official said a preliminary inquiry had found company commander J. Vishwanath prima facie culpable of showing lack of leadership that day. Sources said Vishwanath and five to six other personnel had gone missing when the rebels ambushed the CRPF team.

The CPI-Maoist cadres triggered a blast in Bijapur District. No casualties or injuries were reported. The DRG arrested a CPI-Maoist cadre, who was attempting to flee from the spot.

The Chhattisgarh Police claimed to have killed four cadres of the CPI-Maoist in an encounter in Dantewada District. The encounter occurred when a joint team of the STF, DRG, and the CRPF, was out for an anti-Maoist operation at Pichchikodur under the Barsoor Police Station limits. Constable Jhumar Mandavi, belonging to DRG was injured in the attack. Dantewada SP, Kamlochan Kashyap said, "We can say that at least four Maoists were killed in today's encounter as we recovered one 12 bore gun and other Maoist material on the spot." However, the SFs could not recover bodies.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Gangaram Dhurve and Naresh Porte, were arrested by District Police at Bakar katta Police Station area in Rajnandgaon District.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed, Anduram Benjam, a former colleague who had surrendered in March 2016, in Sanvel village in Bastar District. The Maoists hacked him to death on suspicion that he was a 'Police informer'.

Seven CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested after an encounter with SFs in Narayanpur District. There was an exchange of fire between the Maoists and the Police near Tekanar area of Narayanpur. After the encounter, Police managed to catch seven Maoist supporters, including three women.

Police arrested a businessman, identified as Kashyap Patel and his two associates Ravindra Yashwant and Narayan Rangari who allegedly came from Maharashtra's Gondia District to hand over cash to the CPI-Maoist in Kanker District. The vehicle of Patel, who is the owner of a Gondia-based MG Patel company, was stopped by BSF personnel near their base camp and the Police for routine check, when the cash of INR 28 lakh was traced inside the car. During sustained interrogation they revealed that the seized cash was to be given to Maoists as levy. Further additional amount of Rs 50 lakhs kept by the trader in a house at Banda was also recovered.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and ace badminton player Saina Nehwal have been threatened by Maoists in Chhattisgarh for extending financial help to families of 12 CRPF jawans who were killed in a Maoist ambush in Sukma District on March 16. In a pamphlet issued by the CPI-Maoist Bastar south sub-zonal bureau, the two have been threatened besides urging other celebrities to stand with the poor and the revolution. "We condemn the financial assistance given to the families of CRPF jawans killed in PLGA attacks. We appeal to famous figures, film actors, sportspersons and celebrities to stand with the revolution and poor people. Stand against police atrocities and human rights violations," it read. Akshay and Saina had promised to provide INR 0.9 million and INR 50,000 respectively to each family.

A group of 50 cadres of the CPI-Maoist set ablaze an empty private bus travelling from Dhanora area to Orchha village in Narayanpur District. According to reports, the Maoists set the bus on fire after the passengers were forced to evacuate the bus. The Maoists had been opposing the road construction work in Jhorigaon. It is believed that a road construction is underway on a brisk pace under the security cover provided by the ITBP and the District Police. 45 kilometres of a total 66 kilometres have been completed so far, the reports added.

SFs arrested three CPI-Maoist cadres after an exchange of fire at Hiroli village in Dantewada District. The incident occurred when a composite squad of STF, DRG and CRPF was conducting an anti-Maoist operation in the forested hills of Kirandul Police Station area. The arrested CPI-Maoists were identified as president of the JSRC of CPI-Maoist, Banjar alias Hunga, and Lakhma Kunjam and Hidma Kunjam-both Jan militia members. The three CPI-Maoists had INR 100,000 each on their heads.

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze the battery room of a mobile tower of BSNL at Mutanpal under Burgum Police Station in Bastar District. The Police also found pamphlets left by CPI-Maoist cadres at the spot which protested killing of CPI-Maoist leader 'Vilas' in an encounter in Burgum area on May 14.

Kuwakonda Police also arrested a woman Jan Militia member of the CPI-Maoist Kunjami Huray in Dantewada District. There are eight cases registered against her, which include murder and attempt to murder.

An exchange of fire broke out between a joint team of STF and DRG and the CPI-Maoist cadres near Chhote Rainar village in Narayanpur District. SFs were engaged in ensuring security to the repairing work of the damaged road to facilitate the movement of vehicles. No casualty has been reported from either side.

The composite squad of the DRG and District Force arrested 13 CPI-Maoist cadres from the forests of Chintagufa and Chintalnar in Sukma District. In first incident, 11 CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested from Chintagufa Police Station area by the SFs. In the other incident, two Maoists, identified as Madkam Deva (23) and Podiyam Joga (25), members of DAKMS - a frontal wing of CPI-Maoist, were arrested from Chintalnar. The duo was involved in the attack on the CRPF personnel of the 74th battalion on April 24 in Burkapal area wherein 25 troopers were killed.

SDGP, D. M. Awasthi told reporters, that 75 new Police stations have been built in CPI-Maoist inflicted area in Dantewada District. He added that the construction would certainly help Police personnel in arresting the CPI-Maoist cadres easily.

SFs arrest three cadres belonging to Jan militia members of the CPI-Maoist from Kamaloor village under Bhansi Police limits in Dantewada District. The arrested cadres were identified as Pandu Bhaskar, Podia Bhaskar and Raju Bhaskar.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in an exchange of fire with security personnel at a forest in Bijapur District. The skirmish took place in the forest near Surakheda village. Based on specific inputs, a team of District Force had launched a search operation in the forest at Bhairamgarh, around 450 kilometers away from Raipur. When the security men were cordoning off a forest patch near Surakheda, the Maoists started firing on them which led to a gun-battle. Later during a search, Police recovered the body of a Maoist clad in 'uniform', he said. They also recovered a muzzle loading gun, a country made .303 pistol, some detonators, a tiffin bomb and wires from the spot. The killed Naxal was identified as Ratan Ujji alias Hemla Ratan, a member of small action team of the ultras. Ratan served in various key positions in the outlawed CPI-Maoist, including as 'deputy commander' of Mirtoor LOS and head of Matwada's Janatana Sarkar group.

An exchange of fire took place between the SFs and the CPI-Maoist cadres at Jongeras in Sukma District. The encounter was followed with a major search operation. P. Sundar Raj, DIG, Dantewada range, said, "We received a tip-off that a group of 15 to 20 Maoists were present in the forest near Jongeras village under Kukanar police station [of Sukma]. We sent a STF team led by Inspector Salim Xaxa and they conducted a search operation on June 4. There were Maoist casualties in the exchange of fire last night." The STF team recovered seven backpacks, four black uniforms, three detonators and some IED-making material from the area. The STF team, however, could not recover any bodies or capture any injured Maoists.

Chhattisgarh Police in Raipur District told reporters that security in Naxal-affected areas of Bastar region has been stepped up as the CPI-Maoist cadres are observing 'Jan Pituri' (Revolutionary Week). Bastar division comprises of seven Districts namely Dantewada, Bijapur, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Sukma and Kanker. 'Jan Pituri 'week is observed every year in the memory of their slain leaders of CPI-Maoists. During this period which generally coincides with the arrival of monsoon, CPI-Maoist cadres focus on recruitment of fresh cadres by spreading their propaganda. It will be observed from June 5 to June 11, 2017.

CPI-Maoist cadres have issued a threat to Government employees at Basaguda region in Bijapur District. CPI-Maoist cadres have asked the employees to hand over one month of their salary or face dire consequences.

The CPI-Maoist has threatened to carry out more "Sukma-like attacks" on the SFs in Chhattisgarh. Sounding out the warning in an audio statement, spokesperson of the CPI-Maoist DKSZC, Vikalp, accused the SFs of running a campaign of terror in the Bastar region. In the interim, two Maoist attacks in Sukma District, first in Kottecheru village and second in Burkapal village, had resulted in the death of 37 CRPF personnel earlier this year.

The composite squads of DRG, District Force and CoBRA arrested 18 cadres of the CPI-Maoist from two places in Sukma District. In first incident, SFs arrested 10 CPI-Maoist from Chintagufa Police Station area, while in second incident; eight others were arrested from Chintalnar Police Station. The arrested Maoists were identified as Podiyam Kosa (28), Jan Militia 'Commander', Kawasi Joga (28), Deputy Jan Militia' Commander', Madvi Aaytu (23) 'Commander' of CNM- a frontal wing of CPI-Maoist, Oyam Sukka (22), Deputy 'Commander' of CNM and 14 other CPI-Maoist cadres associated with DAKMS, Janatana Sarkar.

The UMHA told reporters that CRPF has recruited 743 candidates, including 242 women, from the Bastar region. The youth have been recruited for the post of constable in the CRPF from tribal-dominated Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur Districts and will join the "Bastariya" battalion. Once the training of the recruits in the "Bastariya" battalion is completed, they will be deployed in Chhattisgarh for at least five years.

Fifteen Naxalites who were killed last month (May, 2017) in anti-Naxal operation in Sukma District were cadres of the PLGA, the armed wing of the CPI-Maoist, said Devendra Chouhan; IG, CRPF. Addressing a press conference in Raipur District, Chouhan said that an audio clip released by a top Naxal leader named Vikalp has now confirmed that 15 Maoists killed in an anti-Naxal operation between May 12 and May 16 were actually members of the PLGA. "The security forces launched an anti-Naxal operation between May 12, 2017 and May 16 in Sukma district. The operation by the CRPF's CoBRA, DRG and local Police killed at least 15 Naxalites but their bodies were not recovered," said Chouhan, adding that "the security forces gauged the number of the killed Naxalites on the basis of blood stains and intercept of seized wireless sets". He further added that "initially the Naxalites rebuffed the security forces' claim but now a top Maoist, Vikalp, in an audio tape has admitted that their 15 associates were killed between May 11 and May 16. Though, he claimed that these encounters were fake and the killed ones were innocent adivasis". However, the CRPF IG said that Maoists' accusation is false as "the journalists who visited the areas where anti-Naxal operation was launched have come to know that the security forces didn't kill any villager".

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze a passenger bus in Narayanpur District. There was no casualty as the bus was empty and parked. "Maoists burnt a private passenger bus at Sonpur village last night. This place is 15 kilometer from the base camp and 35 kilometer south of Narayanpur police station," said SP, Santosh Singh. Singh added this incident is likely to hamper the passenger transport in the area as it was the only bus operating on this road. "The security forces never use buses on this road. No other smaller passenger vehicle runs except for some tractors."

Chhattisgarh Police recovered a five Kilogram of IED planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Kanker District. CPI-Maoist cadres planted IEDs to target SFs and stall the developmental works in the State.

Chhattisgarh Police claimed to have arrested 34 CPI-Maoist cadres from Sukma District. The arrested people include the Janatana Sarkar presidents, Jan Militia commanders, DAKMS presidents and members, CNM commanders and deputy commanders.

Police recovered banners suspected to be put up by CPI-Maoist cadres in support of agitating farmers in Madhya Pradesh from Pakhanjoor Police station area in Kanker District. The banners issued in the name of 'Pratappur Area Committee of Maoists' displayed messages supporting the farmers who were protesting in the neighbouring state for their various demands since June 1. In the messages written on banners, Naxals have protested against alleged injustice being done to cultivators in Madhya Pradesh.

A 25-page document recovered from cadres of CPI-Maoist by Chhattisgarh Police after an encounter reveals that the CPI-Maoist leadership in the state has issued instructions to the cadre on the use of mobile phones. The document recovered by the Police in April 2017 reveals that cadre up to the level of 'Divisional Commanders' have now been allowed to use mobile phones and tablets for easy access to reading material. Under a section of the document titled 'The spread of propaganda', the document states that propaganda activities are to be carried out through pamphlets, banners, posters, statements and through mobile phones and WhatsApp. The document reveals that WhatsApp and mobile phones are to be used in the Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Confluence zone (MMCCZ).

CPI-Maoist in Chhattisgarh are focussing on current issues that impact the local population in an effort to replicate the Bastar model in a new zone along the state's western border, according to senior Police officers. This assessment is based on a 25-page Maoist document recovered by SFs following an encounter in April, which details plans to set up a MMC (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Confluence) zone - their first expansion in the region in eight years. The document also details their military strategy, with a focus on amassing ammunition, including "collecting" at least "50 kilos of gunpowder", 3,000 pieces of metal or shrapnel, 25 pipes ready for Claymore bombs" every six months. It advocates swift attacks on SFs, the use of ambushes and not chases, and explosive devices as opposed to gunfire as much as possible.

On the political strategy for the new zone, the document, believed to have been drafted by the "MMC leading team" in March 2017, states that the way forward is in the identification of "people's problems". It acknowledges a lack of success on land issues and highlights local issues to claim that the problems were not what the Maoists had imagined. Warning cadre in the new zone to "proceed with caution", it says, "Secrecy is not being kept, there is hurriedness, those we taking into the organisation are not being talked to in depth about our politics and work. We are talking in the air and accepting them… When meeting party leaders, caution must be exercised and they should not be met in front of new members."

Police recovered 12 weapons in separate incidents in Narayanpur District. Narayanpur SP, Santosh Singh said that one Sonu Nureti, a member of Kohkameta LOS of Maoists, was arrested from Kihkad village forest under Narayanpur Police Station limits. He said Nureti was caught near Kihkad by a joint team of STF, DRG and ITBP which had launched a search operation towards Kihkad, Bechagaon and Gongal villages, around 350 km from Raipur. A muzzle-loading gun was recovered from him. Further, when Nureti informed them about a Maoist dump of arms and ammunitions located on a forested hill between Bechagaon and Gongal, the SFs raided the place, the SP said, adding the team came under indiscriminate fire by Maoists. The encounter between the troopers and Maoists lasted for 15-20 minutes, the officer said, adding that Maoists later fled to the core forest area. "During searching, 11 muzzle loading guns, one pipe bomb, a Maoist uniform and daily use materials were recovered from the spot," he said. According to the SP, Nureti was allegedly involved in several incidents of crime, including murder, loot and arson in the region.

A CPI-Maoist was killed and a STF trooper was injured in an encounter between security personnel and Maoists in Bastar District. The skirmish occurred in Raidongri-Rakasmetta forests under Kaknar Police Station limits when a joint team of DRG and STF was out on an anti-Maoist operation in the interiors of Kaknar, Bastar SP, Sheikh Arif Hussain said. "While one Maoist was killed, a jawan sustained injuries in the face-off," the SP said. The Maoist killed was identified as Mahesh, 'section commander' of military company no. 06 of PLGA of the CPI-Maoist, carrying a reward of INR 1 million on his head. Security personnel had recovered body of the Naxal in Maoist fatigue, along with a SLR and some Naxal materials from the encounter site.

Security personnel and Maoists exchanged fire on a forested hill between Bechagaon and Gongal villages in Narayanpur District. However, no casualty was reported from either side, Police said.

The Chhattisgarh Police recovered a powerful IED, allegedly planted by Maoists in Kanker District. A joint team of the District Force and BSF was patrolling when it spotted a connection of the IED beneath the dirt track near a culvert on Kanker's Badgaon-Himmatwahi road, located around 200 kilometres from the state capital (Raipur), a Police official said. Later, the SF personnel recovered the explosive kept in a steel container. The IED, weighing nearly eight kilograms, was immediately destroyed by the bomb disposal squad, the official said.

About 14 Maoists, mostly lower rung cadres, allegedly involved in the Burkapal attack on CRPF personnel in April 24, were arrested from two places in Sukma District. The number of Maoists arrested in connection with Burkapal attack has reached 95. DIG, Dantewada range, P Sundarraj said that they were all allegedly involved in the attack on CRPF's 74th battalion in Burkapal area that claimed lives of 25 personnel. While they were also involved in incidents, including loot, murder, arson and planting IEDs, seven of them were active as 'jan militia' members, six as members of DAKMS- a frontal wing of CPI-Maoist and another as 'jan militia deputy commander', he said.

An exchange of fire with the CPI-Maoist cadres at a forest patch in Dantewada District. The Skirmish took place near Munga village when a joint team of DRG, STF and CRPF was out on a search operation in the interiors of Katekalyan area, said DIG (Dantewada range), P Sundarraj. When the security personnel were advancing to Munga, they came under fire from a group of armed Maoists leading to the encounter between the two sides, the DIG said. However, the Maoists soon fled from the spot. "During a search, a 12 bore gun, an air gun, three 'pitthus' (shoulder bags) and some daily use items were recovered from the spot," he said.

Three CPI-Maoist cadres, including two women were killed in an encounter with the SFs at Aundhi in Rajnandgaon District. The encounter took place at remote forested hilly terrain of Pendauri about 150 kilometres west of Raipur. "We had definite inputs about the presence of Maoists in the area. The district police team led by the Aundhi police station in-charge Ashwin Rathore began search operation around noon when the rebels opened an attack on the troopers, resulting in an encounter," the Rajnandgaon SP, Prashant Agrawal said. We have recovered bodies of three Maoists and the forces have safely returned, he added. Three weapons- one SLR, one INSAS assault rifle and a 303 rifle were recovered from the encounter site. One of the women killed was Sameela Potai, a local area committee 'secretary' who was active in the region for over a decade and carried an award of INR 800,000 and another Rammo, an LOS member with a reward of INR 100,000. The identity of the third person is yet to be ascertained.

Maoists set on fire a tractor engaged in road maintenance work in Dantewada District. No one was injured in the incident, which took place near Malewahi village under Barsoor Police Station limits where maintenance work of a road was underway. Police said, around a dozen Maoists stormed the maintenance site and threatened the workers before setting the tractor ablaze, he said, adding, the Maoists then fled into the forest.

Chhannuram Mandavi (55), the ex-sarpanch of his native Cholnar village, was killed allegedly by CPI-Maoist cadres in Dantewada District, after they suspected him to be a 'police informer'. Some armed Maoists stormed into the victim's house in Cholnar under Kirandul Police Station limits, and slit his throat while he was asleep, killing him on the spot. Some Maoists pamphlets were also recovered from the spot in which Mandavi was branded as a 'police informer'.

A wanted Maoist, who was carrying a reward of INR 500,000, was killed by the SFs in an encounter in Kanker District. The encounter took place in the Katgaon-Kamteda axis of Koyalibeda village when a joint team of the STF and the DRG of Chhattisgarh Police, the BSF, was out on a counter-insurgency operation. "After the exchange of fire stopped, the joint forces recovered the body of Jai Singh Kunjam, a wanted Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh," a senior official said. Kunjam was a Maoist 'deputy commander'. A villager identified as Maan Singh was also found lying with bullet injuries on his waist near Kamteda village. A SLR, some ammunition and three rifles (.315 bore) have also been recovered from the spot, he said. The forces estimate that three more Maoists were also killed during the encounter, however, their bodies have not been recovered yet, he added.

Thirteen Maoists were arrested from three separate places during combing operation within Sukma District. District Force and DRG personnel arrested 13 Maoist cadres -- including Jan Militia 'Deputy Commander' Tamo Budhru and LOS Member Hemla Ayyutu -- from Jagargunda, Gadiras and Tongpal areas. Eleven of those arrested were allegedly involved in the recent Burkapal ambush in which 25 CRPF personnel were killed in April this year. "While 11 cadres were apprehended from Jagargunda police station area, one each was held from Tongpal and Gadiras police station limits," DIG (Dantewada range), Sundarraj P said.

Police seized a powerful 25-kilogram IED, which was packed in a big steel container, was unearthed near a culvert on the Dornapal-Jagargunda road, suspected to have been planted by CPI-Maoist cadres in Sukma District.

Two women cadres of the CPI-Maoist were killed in an encounter with SFs at Narayanpur District. "On a tip-off about the presence of Maoists, a combined team of STF and DRG carried out a search operation. The rebels opened fire near Hasnar, about 15 kilometres from Orcha Police Station, leading to an encounter. In the retaliatory attack, two women Maoists were killed by the SFs. A temporary Maoist camp in the area was also destroyed", SP, Santosh Singh said. There was no report of any injury sustained by the SFs, the SP said. Some ammunition, rifles, items of daily use, a sewing machine and literature were recovered from the site.

A Maoist 'deputy commander', carrying a reward of INR 300,000 on his head, was arrested along with explosives in Bijapur District. The cadre identified as Rakesh Sodhi (20) was arrested from Awapalli Police Station area when a joint team of SFs was out on an area-domination operation. Sodhi was arrested after a short chase and a tiffin bomb, two detonators and electric wire were seized from his bag.

The SFs defused IEDs planted by Maoists at 11 locations on Dhanora-Orchha road in Narayanpur District, to target Police party. Working on a tip off, the SF personnel unearthed the explosives and ammunition which were to be used to attack SFs and hinder the developmental work in the area. The recovered IED's were later defused by the Bomb disposal squad.

A constable was killed by CPI-Maoist cadres in Bijapur District. Sukku Gota (30), the assistant constable posted at Farsegarh Police Station, went to a relative's place in Ketulnar village when a group of Maoists stormed into his relative's place and attacked him with sharp-edged weapons, killing him on the spot. The attackers escaped from the spot after committing the crime.

Heavily armed Maoists stormed into an under-construction mine of NMDC in Dantewada District, and threatened the NMDC officials. According to reports from Bailadilla, 350 heavily armed Maoists attacked the mine, where the rebels assembled 40 workers in the mine and warned them not to turn out for work again. They also threatened the NMDC officials not to return or attempt to develop the mine. The work in the mine was immediately halted. The Maoists also thrashed a driver and set two vehicles of survey officials on fire.

Three SF personnel and one CPI-Maoist cadre were killed while four others injured, in two separate encounters with Maoists in Sukma District. A composite squad of the STF, the DRG, the CRPF and its elite unit-CoBRA was out on the operation named 'Operation Prahar' based on inputs about the location of Maoist hideouts in the interiors of Chintagufa. When the SFs were advancing through the forest of Dondamarka, a Maoist den, armed Maoists opened fire on them, leading to a gun-battle. Five STF personnel sustained bullet injuries, three of them critically, in the face-off. Some personnel of the patrolling team were on their way back to the base when they again came under heavy fire from the ultras near Durma village. Two DRG jawans were killed and as many others sustained injuries in the gun-battle. "Two DRG jawans were initially killed and as many others injured in the incident. Later, one of the injured succumbed while being retrieved from the forest," DIG (Dantewada range), Sundarraj P said. The body of a Naxalite was also recovered from the spot along with an SLR weapon. The Maoists also fired upon an IAF helicopter deployed to rescue injured jawans in Tondamarka. According to reports, the Maoist killed was a top Maoist 'commander' named Korsa Mahesh, who carried a reward of INR 800,000 on his head.

Three Maoists, including a minor, were arrested in Kanker District. A firearm and some explosives were recovered from Kanna Kawasi (42), Lalu Kawachi (55) and a 17-year-old youth who were picked up from the forests of Mad Pakhanjore village under Bande Police Station limits by a joint team of the BSF and the District Force during a search operation. He said while Kawasi was a 'commander'-rank cadre wanted in at least eight cases including murder and attempt to murder, Kawachi and the youth are the 'jan militia' members of Maoists. A muzzle loading gun, a five-kilogram cooker bomb, a pipe bomb, a radio set, and an electric wire were seized from the possession of the trio.

A Maoist was killed and four SF personnel, including three CoBRA commandos, were injured in separate incidents in Bijapur District. "While a Maoist was killed in an exchange of fire with police, four security personnel sustained injuries in three IED blasts, triggered by ultras at different places," a senior Police official said. All the incidents took place under the Basaguda Police Station limits, he said. A joint team of SFs was carrying out an anti-Maoist operation in the forest of Basaguda. "Body of a Maoist was recovered after an exchange of fire between the patrolling team and ultras this morning in the forest near Pediya village. Yesterday, one Naxalite was killed in an encounter with the same team of security forces in this area," Police said.

June 28

Two CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in an encounter with SFs in the dense forest near Suktara village in Rajnandgaon District. Acting on inputs about movement of `vistaar (expansion) party of Maoists in Gandai forests for the past few days, a joint squad of STF and District Police Force had launched an operation in the area. The team came under fire while passing through Suktara forest. The Maoists later escaped, while two bodies were recovered from the spot apart from a .315 bore gun and a pistol. "Identity of the killed rebels is being ascertained. Although prima facie it is clear that they belonged to expansion team of ultras who are making attempts to expand their base along the border of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh," SP, Prashant Agrawal said.

A Maoist 'commander' was arrested in Dantewada District. Acting on a tip-off, Baman Mandavi (25) was arrested by a joint team of CRPF and local Police from Badegudra village under Kuakonda Police Station limits. Mandavi, active as Badegudra 'jan militia commander' of Maoists, was allegedly involved in Mailwada landmine attack in March, 2016, in which seven CRPF personnel were killed. Besides, he was allegedly involved in other Naxal incidents, including triggering blasts, loot, SP, Kamlochan Kashyap said adding he was carrying a reward of INR 100,000 on his head.

A Maoist couple, Dinesh Kadti (26) and his wife Meena alias Lakho (25), surrendered in Dantewada District. Dinesh, carrying cash reward of INR 300,000, was working as president of DAKMS-a frontal wing of Maoists. Meena was deputed as the head of KAMS - a Maoists' frontal outfit and INR 100,000 was announced for her arrest. The duo was allegedly involved in firing at a helicopter in Pedia area in Bijapur District in 2012.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested from Sukma District. Podiyami Mukka (42) was arrested from an area under Jagargunda Police Station, while Laxman Muchaki alias Lakha (20) was arrested from Kukanar Police Station limits. Mukka, who is the head of DKAKMS, a front organisation of Maoists, was involved in the April 24 attack in Burkapal in which 25 CRPF personnel were killed. Lakha is a member of jan-militia squad and was allegedly involved in the attack on Police in Kunna-Dabba village in 2014.

The Chhattisgarh High Court granted bail to seven TDF activists, arrested last year for their alleged links with the CPI-Maoist in Sukma District. According to the prosecution, the seven members of Telangana-based civil society TDF, including two advocates Ch Prabhakar and Bala Ravinder; four social activists Rajendra Prasad, R Lakshmaraiah, B Durgaprasad and D Prabhakar and a research scholar Mohamed Nazeer were arrested from Dharampenta village under Kistaram Police Station in Sukma District on December 25, 2016. Cash worth INR 100,000 in the demonetised INR 500 and INR 1,000 currency notes and Maoist literature were claimed to have been recovered from their possession, the counsel for jailed TDF activists said.

An internal probe report has suggested conspiracy in the April 24 CPI-Maoist ambush on a CRPF party at Burkapal in Sukma District leading to massacre of 25 troopers. The BSNL towers in the region had gone dead hours before the deadly ambush was carried out and started functioning after the attack, an internal probe report of the CRPF has disclosed, indicating a conspiracy angel. Sources in CRPF stated that there should be thorough probe into the aspect to "nail" Maoist moles, if they existed, in the government machinery.

The CPI-Maoist cadres have abducted two road construction workers from Kasaram village in Sukma District. According to the contractor, Viranna and Veera Swami, two of his labourers, were carrying out measurement work when some armed Maoists came to the spot and forcibly took them away. A road is being constructed between Kistaram and Chintalnar in Sukma District, which is around 500 kilometres from the state capital Raipur. The densely forested region is considered to be a stronghold of Maoists.

Chhattisgarh Police claimed to have identified seven CPI-Maoist cadres killed during anti-Maoist strike 'Operation Prahar', carried out at Tondamarka in Sukma District in between June 23 and 25. The Police had earlier claimed to have killed 15-20 Maoists in the operation, said to be the biggest so far against Maoist, on June 24. Sukma SP, Abhishek Meena, citing inputs received from locals, said the Police had ascertained the identification of the seven killed in the encounter. "The deceased Maoists were identified as Udka Lakhu, Sodhi Budhra, Podium Suresh, Muchaki Jogi, Madvi Hidma, Vetti Joga and Sodhi Lakhe, all belonging to PLGA squad of Maoists," the SP said. The Police had then also claimed that top Maoist 'commander' Hidma had sustained bullet injuries. On Sunday (July 2), the Bastar-based South Sub-Divisional Bureau of CPI-Maoist 'secretary' Ganesh Uike issued a statement claiming that their organisation had lost one cadre in an encounter with forces and others that the Police claimed were just villagers.

Three cadres were arrested from Dantewada District. Based on a specific tip-off, the ultras identified as Budhram Mandavi (45), Hunga Atra (20) and Laxman Atra (26) were arrested from Ghadi chowk area of Bacheli town in Dantewada when they arrived there for procuring daily use material, Police said. Ration items, including rice and oil, besides a cache of torches and batteries, were recovered from their possession. They were allegedly involved in the attack in Bacheli mining area of the NMDC in Dantewada in February this year, wherein around 90 kg explosives, 1,550 meters wire, 149 detonators, two walkie-talkies were looted. The trio had been acting as lower-rung cadres since the past five years and tasked with supply of ration material, cutting roads and damaging Government property.

Two Maoists - Somaru Gavde (35) and Sonaru Gavde (26), were arrested from Bagjhar village under Benoor Police Station limits of Narayanpur District. Somaru was active as head of Janatana Sarkar squad of Maoist in Chhinari area, whereas Sonaru was a CNM - a cultural outfit of Maoist, member. Based on the statement of Sonaru, one .315 bore country-made revolver and its cartridges were recovered near his house in Bagjhar. According to Police, the duo was involved in various kinds of Naxal-related incidents like damaging roads, firing on police camps, arson and similar others.

CPI-Maoist cadres killed a civilian, identified as Ghasiyaram Salaam (60), in Khadka village under Bhanupratppur Police Station limits in Kanker District. Preliminary probe revealed that before killing him, they accused him of being a 'police informer', Police said.

Maoists set ablaze at least 18 vehicles and machines engaged in mining work in Kanker District. However, no one was injured in the incident. A group of armed Maoists stormed into the Barbaspur iron ore mining site under the limits of Korar Police Station and after threatening the labourers, they set ablaze 18 vehicles and machines engaged in mining work. After setting the vehicles on fire, the Maoists fled into the forest, Police said, adding that the Maoists are reportedly opposing iron ore mining in the area.

Assistant Constable Mankuram Kashyap was injured in an IED blast triggered by the cadres of the CPI-Maoist in Kondagaon District. The incident took place in Kilam-Kudur forest under the Mardapal Police Station limits. A Police team which was out on an anti-Naxal operation came under fire inside the core area of the forest at Ranapal. After the exchange of fire between the two sides stopped, the Naxals had triggered the IED blast near Kudur as the SFs were leaving the area, in which Kashyap sustained injuries.

Three lower rung cadres of the CPI-Maoist were arrested from Bijapur District. The cadres were arrested from a forest near Potenar village when a team of local Police was out on an area domination operation, Bijapur ASP, Mohit Garg said. The arrested cadres were identified as Motilal Mandavi (25), Paklu Beko (45) and Moti Beko (25). The three Maoists were allegedly involved in setting ablaze a bus in 2015 near Bardela village of Bijapur after asking its passengers to alight. They were also allegedly involved in attacks on Police party and other Naxal incidents, Garg said. Mandavi was a member of CNM, the cultural outfit of the Maoists, he said. Paklu Beko was a member of the Janatana Sarkar group of the Maoists, while Moti Beko was a militia member, the ASP said.

SFs arrested two Maoists from Peddapally village in Bijapur District. Security officials said arrested Naxals are wanted for attacking Police forces and planting explosive across the District and they belong to a local group affiliated with RPCs.

Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh said there has been a considerable decline in Naxal activity in the State and believes demonetisation has been a key factor for this. "The Naxals are limited to a small area now. Demonetisation has broken the backbone of the Maoists. We are also trying to control them further," Singh said in an interview. Singh said the people of Bastar region want peace and with integrated development, the area will soon become peaceful. "Change has been witnessed in the situation of the region. We have spent Rs 3,000 crore for the construction of roads which will connect the outskirts to the city," he said.

The DIG of Police (Dantewada range) of Chhattisgarh, Sundarraj P told reporters that IEDs planted randomly in forests pose a big challenge in the counter-insurgency operations. According to Police data, nearly 22 security personnel sustained injuries in 31 IED blasts triggered by Naxals in the first six months this year in Bastar range. SFs recovered at least 170 IEDs of various natures (like pressure IEDs, pipe bombs) in the same period from the region, which comprises seven Districts - Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur.

The Chhattisgarh Government had announced a reward of INR 500,000 on his head. Vital documents and Maoist literature too were recovered from his possession, Police said. Maasa confessed that he had joined Maoists in January 2016, and was presently residing at Enkannagudem hamlet of Cherla Mandal in Bhadradri Kothagudem District of Telangana. East Godavari SP, Vishal Gunni said Maasa was trained in handling all sorts of weapons and was a key figure in Maoist movement in Hiddumal Special Zone. He was the 'battalion commander' of the Maoist Special Zone Committee, SP, Gunni said.

A joint team of STF, CAF and District Force arrested three cadres of the CPI-Maoist in two separate incidents from Bijapur District. Acting on specific inputs, the joint team had launched a search operation towards Tamodi and Madpal villages under Mirtoor Police Station limits, Police said. In first incident, when the patrolling team reached near Tamodi village, a few Maoists triggered an IED blast and attempted to flee from the spot. Of them, Pandru Kadti (36) and Somru Potam (20) were arrested after a chase and wire and a battery (used in detonating explosives) recovered from their possession. In the second incident, a lower rung cadre Nuppo Budhra (40) was arrested by a joint team of CRPF, CAF and District Force from jungles of Galgam village under Usoor Police Station in the District. Budhra was allegedly involved several Naxal incidents - murder, attempt to murder, etc. - Police added.

A composite squad of DRG and STF recovered a huge cache of explosives, including 13 grenade-headed arrows, from a CPI-Maoist hideout in Sukma District. While cordoning off the hill near Khunduspara, two muzzle loading guns, eight country-made grenades, grenade-headed arrows, 1,200 detonators, four kilograms of explosives, three bundle cordex wire, one bundle electric wire, radio and camera flash were recovered from the hideout, ASP, Jitendra Shukla said. Besides, Maoist uniform, literature, bags and other materials were also seized, the ASP added.

CRPF personnel will be given AK series weapons instead of indigenous INSAS to fight Naxals in the South Bastar region. The CRPF DG, RR Bhatnagar told media, on the eve of 78th Raising Day of the Central Armed Police Force, that more than 2000 CRPF personnel trained in countering insurgency will be deployed in the south Bastar region. He added that in last year from July 20, 2016 to July 20, 2017, the force neutralized 51 CPI-Maoist cadres, apprehended 1,111, and facilitated 834 surrenders. The force managed to recover 562 arms and 1180 IED.

Six cadres of the CPI-Maoist, including a 'Section Commander' carrying a reward of INR 300,000 on his head, surrendered in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh. The surrendered CPI-Maoist cadres cited disappointment with the "hollow" Maoist ideology. The surrendered CPI-Maoist were identified as, 'Section Commander' of Military Platoon No.13 of the CPI-Maoist, Hapka Payku (25), Madvi Sonu (27), a LOS Member, had a reward of INR 100,000 on his head, Kadti Bheema (25), a 'Jan militia Commander', Vekko Aytu (27) head of the Janatana Sarkar group of CPI-Maoist in Bhairamgarh area, Raju Ram Modiyam (22) and Podiyam Moti (27) both CPI-Maoist cadres.

A Police Constable Laxmaih was injured when an IED laid by the CPI-Maoist cadres exploded in Dantewada District. A team of security personnel led by Dantewada SP, Kamlochan Kashyap was patrolling in the area when the incident happened.

A joint team of ITBP, DRG and STF have arrested three lower rung cadres of the CPI-Maoist during two separate search operations in Narayanpur District. In first incident, SFs, during a search operation, arrested CPI-Maoist cadres Sonu Netam (40) and Shankar Hemla (20) and recovered a muzzle loading gun. In the second incident, SFs arrested CPI-Maoist cadre Suresh Markam (24) from Devgaon village in the Narayanpur District.

In a joint operation conducted by District Police and Chhattisgarh Sashastra Dal (CSD) arrested four cadres of the CPI-Maoist from Narayanpur District. The arrested cadres were identified as Malu Netam (45), Baijuram Gawde (26), Ashiram Salam (42) and Shivnath Yadav. Malu Netam carried a reward of INR 2,000 on his head.

Eleven cadres of the CPI-Maoist surrendered in front of Sukma SP, Abhishek Meena in Sukma District. The cadres include three women. They also surrendered two guns. Two of them were identified as Kunjam Hadma and Madvi Hidma, were carrying reward of INR 800,000. Similarly, Tati Sanki, a 'Deputy Commander' rank cadre, was carrying a reward of INR 200,000 on her head. Two others -- Dirdo Deva, a member of Dornapal LOS, and Kadti Hidme, chief of the KAMS, a front organisation of CPI-Maoist cadres were carrying a reward of INR 100,000 on their heads.

A total 38 CRPF security personnel were martyred in 15 incidents of attacks by cadres of the CPI-Maoist during the past six months as on June, 30, 2017, says the Central Government. During this period, incidents of attacks by cadres of CPI-Maoists in other Naxal infested states are as follows- Andhra Pradesh (1), Bihar (3), Jharkhand (4), Maharashtra (8) and Odisha (1).

A Police SI and a Constable were killed in an encounter with CPI-Maoist cadres in the forest under Gatapar Police limits in Rajnandgaon District. The skirmish took place when a specialised unit of the District Force was out on an anti-Maoist operation in the jungle near Bhave village under Gatapar Police Station area, IGP (Durg Range), Dipanshu Kabra said. On finding that security personnel were zeroing on them, the Maoists fled into the core area of the forest, the IG said, adding, after being informed about the incident, reinforcements were being rushed to the spot. "Sub-Inspector of Police Yugal Kishore Verma and Constable Krish Sahu were killed in the incident," Kabra said, adding while Verma died on the spot, Sahu succumbed to injuries while being evacuated from the forest.

ATS of Gujarat Police arrested Naxal 'ideologue', Tusharkant Bhattacharya (62), co-accused of Tappalapur killing with Kondapalli Seetharamaih and Mupalla Laxmana Rao aka Ganapathy in 1976, on charges of sedition, waging war against the State and others from Nagpur-bound Geetanjali Express at Durg Railway Station of Chhattisgarh. Bhattacharya was returning from Kolkata in West Bengal after meeting his sister when he was arrested. Gujarat intelligence agency team picked up Bhattacharya from the train at Durg in Chhattisgarh and brought him to Nagpur by road. He was flown to Mumbai from city on way to Ahmedabad. He was wanted in the case registered in 2010 at Kamrej Police Station in Surat, Gujarat. Nagpur-based Bhattacharya, who was in Cherlapally jail in Hyderabad between 2007 and 2013 after being arrested in Patna in 2007, was booked in the present case along with Pitla Narayan alias Arjun Madhu, his wife Rela Prashanthi alias Shweta, Kobad Ghandy and Seema alias Manju Hirani and Anand Ambedkar. In March 2012, Bhattacharya's elder brother Aseem was arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police and Maharashtra ATS from Dombivli along with three others CPI-Maoist cadres for Naxal activities.

The patrolling team of SFs cordoned off a forest in the interiors of Gangaloor area near Modipara village in Bijapur District and arrested four Maoist cadres. The arrested cadres were identified as Manglu Hemla (35), Raju Tati (28), Ramu Hemla (30) and Hemla Budhu (35), all lower rung cadres.

SFs arrested a local CPI-Maoist 'militia commander' identified as Budhru Mandavi (23) from Kalmanar village in Narayanpur District. SFs recovered a CPI-Maoist banner and two pamphlets from his possession. All the arrested cadres were allegedly involved in arranging meetings and food for the Maoists, gathering information for them, damaging roads, spreading their propaganda and other offences, Police said.

A total of 36 CPI-Maoist cadres were killed and 651 arrested during the last four months (March 16 to July 15, 2017), in Chhattisgarh, informed the Central Government. Chhattisgarh is among other Left Wing Extremism infested States where highest 38 CRPF troopers were killed in 15 incidents of Maoist attacks during the past six months as on June, 30, 2017, the Central Government added. During the period, incidents of Maoists attacks in other insurgency infested States are as follows - Andhra Pradesh (1), Bihar (3), Jharkhand (4), Maharashtra (8) and Odisha (1). Earlier, the Union Cabinet had also approved raising of four 'India Reserve Battalions' (IR Bns) for Chhattisgarh State to be deployed in LWE pockets of the State. The Union Cabinet had announced to raise a total of 17 India Reserve Battalions (IR Bns) for J&K and LWE affected States, officials stated. It includes five IR Bns in the State of J&K, three IR Bns in Jharkhand, three IR Bns in Odisha and two IR Bns in Maharashtra including four for Chhattisgarh.

A joint squad of DRG and District Force arrested five cadres of the CPI-Maoist from the forests of Tongpal Police Station area in Sukma District. Those arrested were identified as Dashru Dhruva (20), Gangaram Dhurva (32) and Hadma Madkami (30), all hailing from Malkangiri District of Odisha, while two others -- Madkami Somdu (32) and Vetti Sukda (35) belonged to Bastar District. Dashru was active as 'Commander' of CNM - the cultural wing of the CPI-Maoist cadres whereas remaining others were members of DAKMS - a frontal organisation of CPI-Maoist. All the arrestees were allegedly involved in the firing on a Police party after triggering blast near Mundagadh village in Tongpal area on August 7, SP, Abhishek Meena said.

Two cadres of the CPI-Maoist were killed during an exchange of fire between CPI-Maoist cadres and a joint team of the DRG and the STF of the Chhattisgarh Police under Kistaram Police Station in Sukma District. The killed CPI-Maoist cadres were identified as Podiyam Sunna, 'Militia Platoon Deputy Commander', and Vanjam Hunga, a member of the small action team of the CPI-Maoist' Platoon Number 8 in Sukma District. SFs also recovered a muzzle loading gun and a country-made pistol from the spot.

Three STF personnel were injured when cadres of the CPI-Maoist triggered a pipe bomb blast the forests under Fulbagdi Police Station limits in Sukma District. A constable identified as Kattam Rama was seriously injured in the explosion. Separate teams of SFs, comprising CRPF, STF, DRG and District Force, had launched the operation since August 14 in the interior forests of Sukma District.

CM, Raman Singh, said the battle against CPI-Maoist cadres in the State has been yielding "comprehensive" results with the guidance and cooperation from the Union Government of India, in Raipur District. CM was addressing the Independence Day function at the Police Parade ground in Raipur. Singh added that the State Government has approved 1,175 new posts in Police force after which the total sanctioned strength of the State forces has reached to 75,000.Singh informed that, "In 2017, so far 599 CPI-Maoist cadres have been arrested and 299 surrendered."

Police arrested three cadres of the CPI-Maoist in Narayanpur District. "A DRG party, headed by a SDPO, was sent to Tumiradi village after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of some Maoists in the village. This police team encircled the village and nabbed three Maoists," said Santosh Singh, the SP of Narayanpur District. The arrested cadres of CPI-Maoist were identified as Vijay Dhruva, Gore Hichami and Maniram Dhruva. The Police also recovered a locally made firearm from Vijay Dhruva.

An encounter took place between SFs and the cadres of the CPI-Maoist near Chotte Hirma-Gumodi Forest at Aranpur range in Dantewada District. DIG, Dantewada range Sundarraj P, informed that Police forces are safe and have recovered Naxal campaigning materials from the site.

SFs recovered huge cache of explosives, from a CPI-Maoist hideout at a forested hill in Moranga village under Katekalyan Police Station in Dantewada District. The seized items include 77 arrow bombs, 43 grenades, 73 detonators (53 of them coupled with wire), cordex wire 4 bundles, a big drum packed with explosive powder, one air gun and its pallets, 86 gelatin sticks, 10 Kilograms sulphur powder, 11 packets of explosives, three meter fuse wire, one solar plate and three steel tiffin boxes. Dantewada Range (DIG), Sundarraj P told that, "Prima facie, inputs revealed that the cadres were allegedly planning a big strike on security forces after Monsoon and had amassed these explosives for the same purpose."

Seven cadres of the CPI-Maoist surrendered before senior Police and ITBP officials at District Headquarter in Narayanpur District. The CPI-Maoist cadres cited disappointment with "hollow" Maoist ideology and their "wrong" policies. The surrendered CPI-Maoist cadres were identified as Manish Salaam (21), Mandar Korram (30), Peelsai Korram (40), Roshan Padihar (41), Anulal Bhandari (37), Sampat (27), and Chunni Lal Bhandari (38). Salam was an active member of Maoists Dandakaranya instructor team and Antagarh LOS, had been allegedly involved in the two attacks on Police party this year (2017) in Narayanpur and the neighbouring Kanker District. Salam was carrying INR 100,000 on his head.

Nine cadres of the CPI-Maoist surrendered before SP, Kamlochan Kashyap in Dantewada District. The CPI-Maoist cadres cited disillusionment with the Maoist movement and constant discrimination and exploitation by senior CPI-Maoist leaders. Among the surrendered CPI-Maoist cadres, one Nanda aka Barse carried INR 500,000 on his head.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed, a civilian, indentified as Sonu, in south Bastar near Kankerlanka in Dantewada District. The CPI-Maoist cadres pulled Sonu out from a bus and fatally shot him with an arrow. According to sources, Sonu had failed to return INR 30,000 he had taken from a CPI-Maoist leader.

Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh said that State Government had vowed to free the State from the clutches of Naxals before 2022. CM Singh was addressing the 'Sankalp Se Siddhi' programme held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) auditorium in Raipur District.

An exchange of fire took place between SFs and the cadres of the CPI-Maoist soon after the cadres triggered an IED bomb in Bijapur District. SFs were patrolling the forest area when the incident took place. SFs also recovered a pipe bomb from the spot after the gun-battle. No casualties were reported on either side during the encounter.

Two lower-rung cadres of the CPI-Maoist were arrested from separate places in the Bastar division. While one Maoist, identified as Mangtu Gavde (30), was arrested from an unspecified area under Farasgaon Police Station in Narayanpur District, another one, Rava Bheema (32), was arrested from the forest area under Phulbagdi Police Station limits in Sukma District, Police said.

A carpenter, Pavan Dehari (28) was killed by the cadres of the CPI-Maoist near Baghdongari village under Aundhi Police Station in Rajnandgaon District. Dehari was killed in the area where SFs had gunned down three cadres of CPI-Maoist two months ago in an encounter. Police term killing as an 'act of frustration' by Maoists.

The SFs managed to foil a Maoist ambush in Bijapur District when they detected four IEDs on Bhopalpatnam-Madded road. The IEDs were planted on the route of a ROP of the CRPF and the Police. But SFs managed to detect and defuse the explosives near Pengadpalli village.

In an encounter with CPI-Maoist cadres, Police constable Budiya Karma was injured at Kandulnar forests in Bijapur District. A joint team of the DRG and local Police was out on the search operation in the Madded area of the District.

An active LOS member of the Maoists, identified as Raju Mandavi (28), was arrested by a team of local Police from Barsoor Police Station area in Dantewada District. Mandavi served as the gunman of a senior Maoist 'commander', who was killed in a Police encounter in May, and carried a reward of INR 100,000 on his head, Police said. Mandavi was allegedly involved in crimes like Maoist attacks on Police parties and murder of local villagers.

A woman CPI-Maoist 'Commander' Shymala Sodhi alias Pojje (27) surrendered before the SP in Dantewada District. Sodhi was carrying a reward of INR 500,000 on her head. She was involved in Tahakwada incident of Sukma District in which 16 Policemen were martyred.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in an encounter between joint team of the DRG, STF, and CoBRA's 204th battalion and CPI-Maoist cadres in Bijapur District. SFs recovered one AK-47 rifle, magazines and one wireless set, along with Maoist-related material. The identity of the killed CPI-Maoist cadre is yet to be ascertained.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres killed a civilian in Rajnandgaon District. The deceased has been identified as Bajirao Nareti. A Police officer from Rajnandgaon claimed that Nareti was involved in supplying food grains to the Maoists.

A Police Constable, Panku Punam (35), was killed by the cadres of the CPI-Maoist at a weekly market near Padeda village in Bijapur District. A group of CPI-Maoist cadres, dressed in civvies, attacked Punam with sharp-edged weapons leaving him dead on the spot.

Kankar's DIG, Ratan Lal Dangi and SP, Santosh Singh inaugurated the Aadka Police Station in Narayanpur District. This is the 10th Police Station in the District, in which 14 villages come in.

The Central Government reimbursed INR 100 Million to Chhattisgarh Government towards raising two battalions of SIRB during 2016-17. The UMHA has stated that Chhattisgarh Police forces are well equipped and a Bastar package for Police was introduced in end 2015. Previously, a Bastar Battalion has been sanctioned recently with strength of around 750 to be recruited from the local tribals. Similarly 10 SIRB and 56 IRB are being raised in the LWE affected areas of the country.

The Maoists in Sukma District have released a letter asking the villagers to boycott the meeting, which is to be held between the Police community in the area and the villagers. The meeting that is supposed to take place on September 14 in Chintagufa comes as a result of the "mutual trust" between the villagers and the Police community. The letter released by the Maoists asked the villagers to boycott the meeting initiated by the Police community, which was earlier supposed to take place on September 7, as the collector scheduled to be at the meeting, was on leave. The letter has also barred the villagers from visiting the nearby market, threatening to kill them if they do so.

A special NIA court sentenced ten cadres of the CPI-Maoist to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for supplying material used for making guns and explosives to CPI-Maoist cadres in Bastar District. The CPI-Maoist cadres were identified as Arun Agrawal, Balram Naik, Deep Singh, Khudiram, Rajuram Bhaskar, Mohak Garg, Tarik Umar alias Pappu Pathan, Ramesh Telam, Panchu Bhaskar and Joga Telam. According to the Police, the accused were involved in supplying detonators, explosives, gelatin sticks, besides lathe and welding machines (used in making barrels of guns) to Commander Sanjay alias Mohan Kadti, a prominent CPI-Maoist leader of the WBDC in Dantewada District.

A group of 10-15 cadres of the CPI-Maoist set ablaze a passenger bus at Todempara in Bijapur District. However, no casualties were reported in the incident.

Maoists stopped a private bus belonging to Vishwanath Travels on Bhopalpatnam (Bijapur)-Bareguda road (Adilabad District in Telangana), asked passengers to disembark and set it on fire in Bijapur District. However, no casualties were reported in the incident.

One CRPF jawan was injured in an exchange of fire with the Maoists in the forests under the Aranpur Police Station limits in Dantewada District.

A DRG trooper sustained injuries in an IED bomb blast, triggered by ultras, at an unspecified place in the interiors of Aranpur under the same Police Station limits in Dantewada District.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze a construction vehicle on the Bijapur-Geedam National Highway under Modakpal Police Station limits in Bijapur District. The Maoists also left some pamphlets on the spot accusing the Police of killing an innocent man in a "fake encounter" on September 4.

Five Maoists were arrested following an encounter between them and SFs at an unspecified place in Dantewada District. After the firing stopped, five Maoists were rounded up from the forests while they were trying to escape from the spot. Those arrested were identified as Hemla Podia (40), Hidma Madvi (40), Hemla Joga (45), Hemla Budhu (42) and Madvi Deva (36).

Three lower-rung cadres identified as Muchaki Pandu (25), Podiam Hunga (26) and Podiam Gutta, were arrested by a joint team of DRG and District Force from Chintagufa Police Station area in Sukma District. The trio was allegedly involved in the exchange of fire between Maoists and security personnel in Tondamarka and Durma villages of Sukma on June 24, 2017 that had resulted in the death of two DRG personnel and a Maoist, Police said.

One more Maoist cadre was arrested by the Police in Narayanpur District. "The security forces surrounded Kachora village in Narayanpur after a suspected activity of a person in the village. After searching the village, Maoist leader Sukder was found hiding inside a house and was arrested," Narayanpur District Police said in a statement.

A group of armed CPI-Maoist cadres killed a surrendered cadre, identified as Karu Dugga, near his house at Barda village under Pakhanjore Police Station limits in Kanker District. As per the preliminary information, Dugga, who had surrendered last year, was attacked with sharp-edged weapons by a group of five Maoists who left him dead on the spot, Police said.

The CPI-Maoist cadres damaged an under-construction building of a primary school and community health centre (CHC) in Kohakameta village under Kurusnar Police Station area in Narayanpur District. "The Maoists once again proved that they are opposed to development … The building was being constructed painstakingly by the authorities to provide relief to local villagers," said Narayanpur SP, Santosh Singh. The Maoists damaged walls and plinths of the two buildings, being built at a cost of INR 10 million, the officer said.

Chhattisgarh CM, Raman Singh, said that the Government is working to strengthen education in the backward and the Naxal-hit areas of the State. Raman Singh told that they have introduced the Porta cabin (prefabricated temporary structure) for schools in the Naxal-affected areas, where the school building was destroyed by the Naxals and will soon inspire them to join schools. "We have introduced the Porta-Cabins in the Naxal-hit areas, in place of the school that was destructed by them. We have increased the count of schools. We have now reached the interior part of the Naxal-hit area and will soon train them and will try to bring to school," Raman Singh said. The CM further said that the Chhattisgarh Government's aim is to improve the quality of the education provided to the students and match up to the national literacy level.

A group of armed cadres of CPI-Maoist abducted 10 villagers including women Sarpanch, Podiyam Muye, and Deputy Sarpanch of Chintagufa village in Sukma District. ASP, Jitendra Shukla informed that woman Sarpanch's son Kosa, brother-in-law Komal are also among the 10 abducted villagers. Muye is the wife of Podiyam Pandu alias Panda (45), a Jan militia 'deputy commander' of CPI-Maoist, who had surrendered in May 2017. He added that, after his surrender, Panda had revealed crucial details about Burkapal incident besides the "high profile" urban network of Maoists. Preliminary investigation has revealed that senior Maoist leaders, including Ramanna and Hidma, were behind the incident.

Chhattisgarh Police would be using night vision Monocular for tracking the CPI-Maoist cadres in the Naxal affected areas of the State. The UHM has already heightened the use of UAVs and CCTV surveillance in insurgency pockets of Chhattisgarh. There is also enhanced co-ordination with the State Police and undertaking intelligence based joint operations. It is important to note that a total 259 battalions of CAPFs were deployed in the Naxal affected region of the State. The deployment in other States is as follows-Andhra Pradesh (16), Telangana (12), Bihar (57), Jharkhand (144), Madhya Pradesh (8), Maharashtra (34), Odisha (102), Uttar Pradesh (6), and West Bengal (53). Recently, Union Cabinet approved of raising four IRBns for Chhattisgarh.

Police killed two CPI-Maoist cadres in an encounter in Sukma District. A team of the DRG was out on an anti-Maoist operation and advancing through Rasantong area, when the Maoists started firing on them leading to an encounter between the two sides. After the exchange of fire stopped, bodies of two cadres clad in 'uniform' were recovered from the spot. The identity of the killed Maoists was yet to be established. However, preliminary investigation suggested that they were members of the Golapalli LOS of the Maoists, Police said. The Police recovered a 12 bore gun, a muzzle loading gun, 13 detonators, a radio set, a wireless set, codex wire, a couple of batteries, solar plates and some Maoist-related material from the spot.

Two Maoists were arrested from Edka Police Station limits in Narayanpur District. SP, Santosh Singh, said they had warrants issued against them for murder of civilians, and damaging BSNL towers and hostels. The identity of the Maoists was yet to be established.

One Maoist cadre identified as Podium Mara was arrested by SFs from Basaguda area in Bijapur District. It was a joint operation of the Chhattisgarh Police and the CRPF's special anti-Maoist unit CoBRA.

The 10 villagers, including women Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch, who were allegedly abducted by the Maoists on September 16, have been released in Sukma District. "All the hostage villagers were released last night (September 20) and they have reached to their village Chintagufa safely," Sukma SP, Abhishek Meena said. The Maoists took them to Kasalpada and two other villages where they held 'jan adalat' (People's court) and warned them not to help the administration in carrying out development activities in remote areas. Maoists have also threatened them asking not to attend meetings held by the District administration to address the grievances of villagers, the SP said.

One STF constable, Kailash Netam, and a tribal woman, Muser Bai (35), were injured in an IED blast, triggered by cadres of the CPI-Maoist, in Narayanpur District. The incident took place when a joint team of SFs was carrying out patrolling to ensure security to the weekly market in Orchha village, Narayanpur SP, Santosh Singh said.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in an encounter with SFs in Sukma District. The exchange of fire took place in the forests between Pidmel and Palamdgu villages under Polampalli Police Station limits, when a joint team of DRG and STF was out on a counter-insurgency operation in the interiors of Polampalli, Sukma SP, Abhishek Meena said. After the encounter, SFs recovered the body of a Maoist along with three country-made firearms, explosives and other Maoist-related materials from the spot, the SP said. The slain Maoist was identified as Podiyam Bheema, an 'Area Militia Commander' of the Maoists, who was handling operations of the outfit in at least 10 villages of the region. Besides, several cases related to Maoist incidents, including attacks on Police party, were also registered against him, the SP added.

Ten cadres of the CPI-Maoist, who worked in the Darbha Division of Bastar District, surrendered to the Police. The Bastar Police said that the surrenders, in the presence of Dantewada range DIG, P. Sudarraj, were a result of the community policing campaign Amcho Bastar Amcho Police (Our Bastar, Our Police). "They were also attracted by the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the State Government. They were working for the CPI-Maoist since 2014," the Bastar Police said in a statement. They included seven Jan Militia members, two Janatana Sarkar members, and one member of the CNM.

Police arrested a woman LOS cadre of the CPI-Maoist, identified as Santila Salaam (28), near Marda village under Koyalibeda Police Station area in Kanker District. Salaam was involved in the attack on a team of the BSF at Koyalibeda in June 2011, when two of its personnel were killed, and also in the killing of a villager in Jiramtarai in 2010.

Suspected Maoists killed Sukku Nareti (57), a revenue official of a village on suspicion of him being a 'Police informer' in Kanker District. The rebels attacked the Kotwar (village revenue official) identified as Sukku Nareti, in Sureli village under Antagarh Police Station area, Kanker, ASP, Jaiprakash Badhai said. A group of armed Maoists stormed into Nareti's house and dragged him out on the street. They then strangled him with a rope and threw the body on a road near the village, the Police official said. The rebels then fled the spot raising slogans in support of the outlawed Naxal movement, he added. Some Maoists' pamphlets were recovered from the spot in which Nareti was branded as a 'Police informer'.

A STF jawan, Antosh Markam, sustained injuries during an encounter with cadres of the CPI-Maoist in Narayanpur District. The encounter took place when a joint team of the STF and the DRG, Chhattisgarh Police's special Anti-Maoist unit, attacked a CPI-Maoist camp in Bhatbeda forest in Orchha area. Santosh Singh, SP said, "There was an exchange of fire for over an hour after which the Maoists fled from the spot. STF jawan Antosh Markam sustained injuries during the encounter. He was immediately sent to Raipur by a chopper for treatment." Police recovered Maoist literature, water tanks, solar plates, Maoist uniforms, bullets and IEDs from the encounter site.

A joint team of BSF and local Police arrested a CPI-Maoist cadre, Gopi Gavde (42), from Koyalibeda Police Station limits in Kanker District. SFs recovered one five Kilogram bomb from Gavde. Gavde is a of Kasansur area in the neighbouring Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra. He was involved in planting IEDs in Paralkot village area in March this year to harm the SFs.

A team of security personnel detected an IED packed in steel tiffin box between Gudabeda and Kagbaras villages in Kanker District.

A ward councillor identified as identified as B Ashok Kumar, suffered critical injuries after a pressure bomb planted by the CPI-Maoist exploded at Elarmadgu village under Bhejji Police Station limits in Sukma District. The blast triggered after Kumar inadvertently touched the IED hidden in bushes. Sukma SP, Abhishek Meena, said, the incident occurred when he was heading towards the anganwadi centre to pick his mother.

A CRPF constable of 195th battalion, identified as Hemant Boro, was injured in an IED blast, triggered by of the CPI-Maoist cadres near Chikpal village under Katekalyan Police Station in Dantewada District. The incident took place when CRPF and the DRG had launched the operation in the interiors of Katekalyan.

A joint team of CRPF's 85th battalion and District Force while carrying out an area domination operation on Bijapur-Gangaloor road spotted the connection of an IED weighing two kilograms near a Government High School in Tondapara village in Bijapur District. Later, the low intensity explosive, packed in a small steel container, hidden beneath the earth on a dirt track was detected there and diffused.

A joint team of CRPF's 168th battalion and local Police unearthed the five kilograms explosive from a dirt track between Sarkeguda and New Tarrem in Bijapur District, where a SFs camp is located. The explosives were defused by the bomb disposal squads.

A group of CPI-Maoist cadres killed two civilians in Aundhi area of Rajnandgaon District on the suspicion of being 'Police informers'. The victims identified as Chandan Kirsam (51) and Vinod Salame (18) were beaten and strangulated to death by Maoists late on Tuesday night, District SP, Prashant Agrawal said.

The Chhattisgarh Police arrested four CPI-Maoist cadres, including a couple, in Kanker District. Acting on specific inputs, a composite squad of personnel from the BSF and District Force launched a search operation in the interiors of an area under Koyalibeda Police Station limits, Kanker ASP, Jaiprakash Badhai said. On spotting the patrolling team, the Maoists tried to escape but were nabbed after a short chase in Panidobir village, he said. Those arrested were identified as Ramnath Usendi (30), Saman Singh Anchla (50), Bazaru Ram Anchla (20) and his wife Urmila Anchla (20), the ASP said. Two muzzle loading guns, a detonator, explosive powder, some splinters, electric wires, Maoist banners and other items were recovered from their possession, he said. The cadres would be interrogated to gather details about the functioning of lower rung rebels in the region, ASP, Jaiprakash added.

One SF personnel snatched a firearm from a CPI-Maoist cadre and fired at the Maoists, forcing them to retreat in Dantewada District. A Police official said five Maoists masquerading as villagers attacked Constable Bhimaram Kunjam at Hitwar village in Maoist-hit Kuakonda. Undaunted, Kunjam snatched the pistol and fired at them, forcing them to flee, the Police official said, adding that the Constable had gone to the village for gathering information. The official said the pistol belonged to sub-inspector who was killed in a Maoist attack in Kuakonda on February 28, 2014.

SFs claim to have arrested four CPI-Maoist cadres, including a woman during a joint search operation between Tindori and Dhusawad under Bhairamgarh Police Station limits in Bijapur District. A joint squad of District Force and 199th Battalion of CRPF on October 7 engaged in search operation in Maoist-hit areas falling under Bhairamgarh Police Station limits spotted some suspicious persons while passing through a forest patch between Tindori and Dhusawad, who were trying their escape sensing personnel's presence. The personnel arrested them after a brief chase. The arrestees were identified as Kumari Poyami, Jagra Benjami, Laxman Benjam and Lakhma Podiyami. According to Police, these Maoists were involved in various crimes including demolition of culvert, which was got constructed by the District Administration in association with the Police Department.

SFs arrested seven CPI-Maoist cadres along with firearm and some explosives from the forest of Bechagaon village under Narayanpur police station limits in the Narayanpur District. The arrested were identified as Guddu Ram Hichami (28), Deuram Hichami (25), Juru Mandavi (25), Guddu Ram Potai (21), Katia Ram Nureti (25), Budhuram Mandavi (22) and Popendra Mandavi (24). SFs also recovered three IEDs weighing 15 kilograms, six kilograms and four kilograms each, one country-made gun and other arms and ammunition from the possession of the arrested Maoists, who were allegedly tasked with collecting ration for Maoists, arranging meeting of villagers, spreading Maoist propaganda and planting IEDs to harm SFs.

The Police arrested a CPI-Maoist cadre carrying a reward of INR 300,000 on his head in Bijapur District. Punem Sona (30), who was active as 'Deputy Commander' of the LOS of Maoists, was arrested from a forest near Futapalli village under Usoor Police Station area, Police said. Acting on specific inputs about the presence of Sona in Futapalli village, a team of local Police had launched a search operation near the area. Sona was wanted in four Maoist-related incidents, including attempt to murder, arson and loot, a Police official informed.

The Police arrested four CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Nar Singh (25), Mani Ram Markam (22), Sunder Singh (30) and Sukku Ram (35), during a search operation in Kanker District. Three muzzle-loading guns, an IED weighing two kilograms, some explosive powder, splinters, electric wires, Maoist pamphlets and literature were recovered from their possession, Police said. The cadres were arrested from Alparas village under Koyalibeda Police Station limits, when a composite squad of personnel from the BSF and District Force was out on a search operation, Kanker's SP, K L Dhruv said.

At least four vehicles and a railway-track laying machine were set ablaze allegedly by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Dantewada District. The incident happened around 7:30 pm near Kamaloor railway station, where track-laying work was underway on the Kirandul-Visakhapatnam route, a Police official said. Around two dozen armed Maoists reached the construction site and torched the vehicles and the track-laying machine and fled after the incident.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed a tribal man, Made Babu Rao (45), in Bijapur District. The Maoists allegedly abducted the tribal man, suspecting him to be a 'police informer', on October 19 from Kandulnar village, located around 450 kilometres from State capital Raipur. Though no complaint was lodged about his abduction, the matter came to light on October 22 when some villagers informed the Police that Rao was allegedly murdered in the night of October 20 by the Maoists after they (Maoists) held a 'jan adalat' in a forest near Kandulnar, Bijapur's ASP, Mohit Garg said. The Police recovered the dead body from the forest in the evening of October 22, the ASP further said "As per preliminary reports, the Naxals beat up Rao with sticks after tying his hands while branding him as a police informer at the jan adalat."

Four Maoists were arrested near Badegudra village under Kuakonda Police Station limits in Dantewada District. ASP, Gorakhnath Baghel said the arrestees were identified as Baman Mandavi (27), Sannu Kawasi (30), Joga Kartami (35) and Ayta Madvi (30), all active as 'jan militia' members. They were allegedly involved in setting ablaze vehicles engaged in bridge construction works and transportation in the area in the past, the ASP further said.

SFs busted a Maoist ammunition dump located in Ghodapath Hill under Gatapar Police Station limits in Rajnandgaon District and recovered a cache of material used for manufacturing and repairing firearms, the Police said on October 25, reports New Indian Express. The seizure comprised a lathe cutting machine, a drill machine, butts of SLR rifles, SLR trigger guards, a charger, a vernier calliper, some iron-made weapons, Maoist literature and camping materials. SFs reportedly have intensified their operations since the last few months on inputs that Maoists have been trying to expand their base in the tri-junction forests in Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh, MP) and Gondia (Maharashtra). On October 17, a base camp was set up in Malaida on Chhattisgarh-MP border where a joint team of the ITBP, STF, Rajnandgaon Police and the Hawk Force from Balaghat has been stationed, Rajnandgaon SP Prashant Agrawal said. Besides carrying out extensive search operations in the region, the SFs have also been holding meetings with villagers on both sides of the border and asking them to refrain from extending any kind of assistance to Maoists, he added.

Three cadres of the CPI-Maoist, carrying cash rewards, were killed in an encounter with the SFs in the forest of Kopenkadka village under Khadgaon Police Station Limits in Rajnandgaon District. The SFs had launched an anti-Maoist operation in the interiors of Manpur, around 200 kilometres away from the state capital, Raipur. When the patrol team was advancing through the forests of Kopenkadka, it came under heavy fire that led to a gunbattle between the two sides. However, the Maoists soon escaped into the deep forest on finding security personnel zeroing on them, said Rajnandgaon SP, Prashant Agrawal. During a search, bodies of three Maoists along with three automatic weapons one AK 47 rifle, one INSAS rifle and one SLR rifle were recovered from the spot, he added. Those killed were identified as Mahesh, an 'area committee member (ACM)', Rakesh, ACM and Pallemadi 'LOS commander' and Ranjit, Pallemadi 'LOS deputy commander' said the SP, adding that they were carrying rewards of INR 500,000, INR 500,000 and INR 300,000, respectively. They all hailed from Bastar region of the state and more details are awaited, he added.

Maoists-triggered an IED blast near a weekly market in Narayanpur District. A team of SFs was patrolling the area to provide security at a weekly market at Manjhipara in Orchha village when the IED went off a little distance ahead. Nobody was injured. One of the three Maoists who fled into jungle after detonating the IED was arrested later, Narayanpur SP Santosh Singh said. His questioning led to recovery of another IED from the spot, the officer said.

A DRG trooper was injured when an IED, planted by CPI-Maoist cadres, went off in Dantewada District. The incident took place in the forest near Telam-Tetam village under Katekalyan Police Station limits when a joint team of state's DRG and local Police was out on an anti-Maoist operation, a Police official said. When the patrolling team was on a dirt track in the Letam Tetam forest, around 400 kilometres away from State capital, Raipur, the DRG jawan inadvertently stepped on the IED, leading to a blast.

The Police arrested two CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Kartam Hunga and Podiya Masa, are experts in bomb-making, within Awapalli Police Station limits in Bijapur District. The Bijapur Police, in a press statement, said, "The Additional Superintendent of Police [Bijapur] Mohit Garg led a joint team of the DRG and the CoBRA in an anti-Maoist operation in Hamrah, Murduda, Vayguda and Chatalpalli areas of Bijapur. When the team was returning through Chatalpalli forest road two youths were seen digging the road." The members of the team found the behaviour of the youths suspicious. When the SFs approached the youths, they ran away. The team then cordoned off the area and arrested both of them. The statement said, "One of them was carrying a tiffin bomb and a long wire. A nylon rope, pressure mechanism and electric wire were recovered from them along with batteries." The statement added, "Both of them confessed that they were planting bombs to target the police parties. They were produced before a court in Bijapur on Thursday."

An alleged Maoist member was arrested by SFs at Basaguda in Bijapur District. The Bijapur Police said, Midium Kanna alias Fulla (36), was wanted in cases under the Arms Act. He had warrants pending against him in Basaguda Police Station.

A DRG trooper, identified as Mohit Patel, was killed in an exchange of fire with CPI-Maoist cadres in the forest of Binagunda village under Chhote Bethiya Police Station limits in Kanker District. The incident took place when a joint team of DRG and local Police was out on a search operation; it came under heavy fire from a group of ultras leading to the gun-battle between the two sides at Binagunda forest. However, Maoists soon escaped from the spot on finding security personnel zeroing in on them, a Police official said.

Four Maoists, including a woman, were arrested following an encounter between SFs and Maoists in Bijapur District. The cadres were arrested from Mirtoor Police Station area when a joint team of SFs was out on a search operation, a local Police official said. When the patrolling team reached between Madpal and Tamodi it came under fire from a group of Maoists following which the encounter broke out, and after the firing stopped, four Maoists, including a woman, were arrested while they were trying to flee from the spot, he said. Of them, the woman cadre was identified as Lakkhe (26) who was active as a member of military platoon no 13 under Bhairamgarh area committee of Maoists, the officer said, adding, that a muzzle loading gun was also recovered from her possession. The remaining cadres were identified as Moti Vetti (26), a 'Jan Militia commander', Bijju Telam (19) and Gutta Madkam (22), both Jan Militia members, he said.

The Union Government assured all assistance to the Chhattisgarh Government to deal with Naxalism, which continue to pose a threat to several States. UHM Rajnath Singh gave the assurance to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh at a meeting in New Delhi, which was attended by senior officers of the Central and State Governments, a statement said. The two leaders noted that the declining trend of left- wing extremism continues across the country. Naxalism-related incidents have dropped by 21 per cent as compared to the corresponding period last year. Naxalites are under pressure with ever shrinking influence, both in terms of geographical spread and public support, they noted. Security and development-related measures required to achieve the same were discussed, the statement said. Important development schemes include the RRP Phase I under which Chhattisgarh was sanctioned 1,988 kilometres of road out of which 1,351 kilometres have been completed. Under the newly launched RRP-II, Chhattisgarh has been sanctioned 891 kilometres of road. To improve mobile connectivity, 519 mobile towers have been installed in Phase-I. Another 1028 towers are being planned in Phase-II of the project. In addition, 11 IRB and two Special IRBs have been sanctioned to the State. The Central Government provides security-related assistance to the State which includes provision for CAPF personnel, helicopters, UAVs among others.

The Centre will provide INR 7 billion for the development of CPI-Maoist-affected Districts. The funds will be provided in the next three years under the SCA scheme. A meeting, presided over by UHM Rajnath Singh, was held in New Delhi on November 3, to review development works and security operations in Maoist-affected regions of the State. During the meeting, it was decided that more emphasis should be given on finding effective ways to provide maximum benefits of road and telephone connectivity and other public welfare schemes to beneficiaries.

At least six cadres of the CPI-Maoist, including a woman cadre, were killed by the SFs in two simultaneous encounters that took place in the Abujhmadh area in Narayanpur District. When the operations were undergoing near Dhurbeda in the morning, the SFs came under heavy fire from a group of armed Maoists, leading to strong retaliation by the SFs. After the encounter stopped, the SFs recovered a body of a woman Maoist along with weapons. Later in the afternoon, five Maoists were killed in another exchange of fire between SFs and Maoists near Pinka village. Two .303 rifle, five .315 bore rifles, one 12 bore gun and one pistol were recovered by the SFs in the two encounters. ADGP, Anti-Naxal Operations, Durgesh Madhav Awasthi said, five Maoists were gunned down during an encounter at Pinka village, the woman Maoist was eliminated also in another encounter at Dhurbeda forests, both under restive Narayanpur District. Awasthi further informed the media persons that the SFs recovered nine weapons, including two .303 rifles and large number of Naxal materials and literatures during both these operations. Both the operations were taken place in the interiors of Abujhmadh area, considered Maoist hotbed, he added. The identity of the killed Maoists were yet to be established as the operation is sill still underway in the region and will conclude by tomorrow, he said.

Two RPF jawans were attacked by a gang of suspected CPI-Maoist cadres at the Bacheli Railway station in Bastar District. According to reports, both the jawans were found with their throats slit. While one jawan succumbed at the station, another was rushed to a nearby hospital where his condition is said to be very critical. Police said that they suspect the hand of Maoists behind this heinous act.

A jawan of the STF was injured in an encounter with the Maoists in Sukma District. The skirmish took place in the morning in a forest in Regargatta village of Sukma when a joint team of personnel from different SFs was out in an anti-Maoist operation. The composite squad of STF, DRG and District Force was passing through the forest in Regargatta, when the SFs came under heavy fire from a group of Maoists, leading to an exchange of fire between the two sides. The Maoists, however, soon escaped into the dense forest and a constable of the STF sustained bullet injury in the incident.

A huge cache of explosives, including detonators and gelatin sticks, has been recovered from separate CPI-Maoist hideouts in the forests in Sukma District, during Operation Prahaar-2. The seizure included a tiffin bomb, 60 detonators, 50 gelatin rods, one grenade headed arrow, 500 grams of explosive powder, 3 kg gun powder, a couple of batteries and switches, one bundle cordex wire, splinters, three cameras flash, few live cartridges of SLR and a 12 bore gun, besides Maoist material, medicines and commodities of daily use. "Separate teams of security personnel were engaged in gun battles with naxals at three places on November 7 during the operation. No harm was reported to forces in the exchange-of-fire," DIG (Dantewada range), Sundarraj P said.

Three lower rung CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested during a joint search operation in Bijapur District. The cadres - Uika Joga (24), Madkam Somdu (21) and Kujnam Bodda (40) - were arrested from the forests of Bugdicheru village under Basaguda Police Station limits, Bijapur ASP, Mohit Garg said. The three cadres were allegedly involved in Naxal-related incidents of attempt to murder, riots, the ASP said.

SFs arrested twelve CPI-Maoists cadres from different districts of Bastar division in the past twenty-four hours. SFs arrested eight Maoists in Kharagupa region from Sukma District. SFs arrested three Maoists from the Bacheili area of Dantewada District. Police arrested a Maoist in Bijapur District.

Three CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in an encounter with the SFs in Bijapur District. Three weapons, including one INSAS assault rifle, and IEDs were recovered from the encounter site. The encounter took place near Mankeli village under the Bijapur Police Station limits when a joint team of the STF and the DRG was on an anti-Maoist operation, DIG, Dantewada range, Sundarraj P said. After a brief exchange of fire, the Maoists escaped into the core area of the forests. During a search operation of the encounter site, bodies of three Maoists were recovered and their identities are yet to be ascertained.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed a villager, identified as Ajit Poddar of Paralkot village, after branding him as a 'Police informer' in the Paralkot village under Pakhanjore Tehsil in Kanker District. At least 30 armed Maoists barged into the victim's house late night and dragged him out of his home. Later they took him to a village road bordering Malkangiri District of Odisha and shot dead. Maoists also left a few posters on the spot which read, Ajit had been cautioned against becoming police informers on two occasions earlier-once on July 25 and then on November 15-this year. As the deceased didn't pay heed to the warning, he was eliminated.

Chhattisgarh Police said that two CPI-Maoist 'commanders' were killed in an encounter with the Police in the jungles of Kanhaiguda in Sukma District. The names of the slain Maoists are yet to be ascertained, however, Police claimed that both the Maoists carried a head money of INR 800,000 on them.

Ten Maoists were arrested from separate places during search operations launched by SFs in the Bastar region. Of them, nine were arrested from Sukma District and one from Kanker District, a Police official from Bastar said. The Maoists arrested in Sukma were facing criminal cases like murder, attempt to murder, attack on Police teams and arson, in different Police Stations, the official said. The Police seized a rifle from the 25-year-old Maoist arrested in Kanker, they added.

Suspected Maoists put up banners and posters in Bijapur District, threatening to kill State Forest Minister Mahesh Gagda, local officials, and even journalists who report "incorrectly on encounters". In a poster seemingly signed by Madvi Hidma, South Bastar Zonal Committee 'secretary', the Maoists threatened the Minister, as well as the patwari and tehsildar of Usur block, accusing them of "anti-people" activities. The posters were found at the tehsildar's office in Usur. The poster also says that journalists who misrepresent encounters on television or in newspapers will be killed, like Sai Reddy. Bijapur-based journalist Sai Reddy was killed in Basaguda village in Bijapur District on December 6, 2013. D M Awasthi, DG, Anti Naxal Operations, said, "This is the first time in recent times that they have issued a written threat like this… a case will be registered and the matter investigated. Journalists report from these difficult areas with great bravery."

A CRPF trooper was killed in an IED blast triggered by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Sukma District. Head Constable K Venkanna sustained splinter injuries after a joint patrol of the CRPF and State Police were out for an operation in the Chintagufa area of the District. The incident happened early morning around 5.30 am when the IED blast took place in which the trooper sustained injuries and later succumbed to his injuries.

The final list of tribals selected from Sukma District for the newly raised Bastar Battalion raised by the CRPF for counter-insurgency operations had been released, an official statement issued in March this year had informed. It may be recalled that the recruitment process for all Districts of insurgency infested Bastar region had been held earlier. The newly being raised 'Bastar Battalion' by CRPF will have one-third women representation, officials informed. The Bastar Battalion of CRPF is being raised by recruiting 744 ST youths from four insurgency infested Districts of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, the Central Government has informed. The Districts from where the tribal youths are being recruited for the new Battalion are -Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Sukma.

Maoists killed Jadhoram Jangi (50), native of Ranwahi village in Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra, in Rajnandgaon District, suspecting him to be a 'Police informer'. The body of Jadhoram was found near Raimanora village under Aundhi Police Station area of Rajnandgaon, a Police official said. As per the Police, around two dozen armed rebels abducted Jangi from his house in Ranwahi late on November 21. Later, locals spotted his body near a rivulet in Raimanora. "Prima facie it appears that he was brutally beaten to death, suspecting that he was working as a police informer," the Police official said.

Twelve CPI-Maoist cadres have been arrested from separate places in Bijapur District, during a joint operation of the CRPF's 199th battalion and the District Police. The Maoists were arrested from the forests under the Bhairamgarh Police Station limits, ASP, Mohit Garg said. Acting on specific inputs, SFs had launched a search operation in the interior of Bhairamgarh, around 450 kilometres from State capital Raipur, on November 22, he said. The Maoists were rounded up after the joint team cordoned off Itampara, Uspari, Biriyabhoomi and Daler villages inside the forests, he added. Among those arrested, warrants were pending against nine Maoists including a woman, he added. The maximum numbers of warrants, for 36 incidents, were pending against Sitaram Hemla, while 12 warrants were pending against Bheema Atra, the ASP said. The arrested Maoists were active as lower-rung cadres and involved in attacks on Police, planting of IEDs and putting up Maoist banners and posters, he added.

The CPI-Maoist cadres hacked Anit Kumar Sori (25) to death suspecting him to be a 'Police informer' at Pendra village under Mainpur Police Station limits in Gariabandh District. A group of armed rebels entered the village, located around 130 kilometres away from the State capital, Raipur, and asked Sori to come out of his house, a local Police official said. Sori was attacked with an axe. Afterwards the rebels fled into forest, the official said. Some Naxal pamphlets, accusing Sori of being a 'Police informer', were found on the spot, the official said.

Four Maoists were arrested from two places in Dantewada District. "Out of the four, three ultras were apprehended from Bhansi police station area, while another from Aranpur police station limits yesterday," a local Police official said. The patrolling team, while cordoning off a forest near Kamaloor village, spotted three Maoists. Subsequently, the team arrested the rebels - Suresh Bhaskar (25), Manglu Bhaskar (21) and Jaggu Bhaskar (55) - all active as 'jan militia' members, he said. The three were allegedly involved in torching trucks and a railway-track laying machine last month near Kamaloor railway station where track-laying work was underway on the Kirandul-Visakhapatnam route, the officer said. In a separate operation, a 'jan militia' member, identified as Barse Bheema (21), was arrested from Rewali village of Aranpur, the official said. One tiffin bomb, 30-meter long electricity wire, batteries and crackers were also recovered from his possession, he said.

The CPI-Maoist cadres shot dead the son of a contractor whom they had abducted from a rail construction site in Kanker District. The body of Ramesh Jain (38) was found at a forest near Rekhabat village in the District on November 26, Kanker's SP, K L Dhruv informed. Darbari Ram, the father of the deceased, had the contract for cutting of trees in the forest area for laying tracks as part of the Dallirajhara-Rowghat railway project and transportation of logs to the forest department's depot, he said. On Saturday (November 25), when Ramesh Jain was engaged in the work of transportation of timber logs in the forest close to Rekhabat between Rowghat and Tadoki, a group of armed Maoists reached there. The rebels asked the workers to leave the place. After setting ablaze four trucks and a loader machine they took the victim along with them, the SP said. "Later, they shot him dead in the nearby forest," Dhruv said.

A villager Dudhi Hidma (50), hailing from the neighbouring Amapenta village, was killed in a pressure IED blast in a field near Kansaram in Sukma District. Such devices are generally planted by Maoists to target SFs who often pass through agriculture fields and dirt tracks during patrolling, SP, Abhishek Meena said.

A CRPF constable was injured in an IED blast triggered by the CPI-Maoist cadres near Palodi village under Kistaram Police Station in Sukma District. The incident took place when the jawan of the 208th CoBRA battalion, along with a Police team was carrying out an anti-Naxal operation in the area.

Seven alleged CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested in a search operation launched by the SFs in Toayameta and Kaynar forest in Narayanpur District. Those arrested were identified as Benja Korram, Kulle Madavi, Madda Podiyam, Aasi Usendi, Sukko Kashyap, Pandharu Kurhami and Guddi Mandavi, the Narayanpur District Police said in a statement. All seven were working for the Maoist 'militia' in Bhattbeda, Kakawada and Kolokal area of Narayanpur. The Police also managed to recover two locally-made guns, ammunition and other party literature from the arrested Maoists.

The Naxal rebellion in Chhattisgarh is at its end and red corridor will become a green corridor of development and peace. The State is turning a new tide with Government's development policies. The development projects are being pushed despite continued violence. Recently, 12 security personnel lost their lives, while trying to build a stretch of road. Infrastructure like schools and roads are being rebuilt whenever they have been destroyed in Naxal hotbeds such as Bastar, said Chhattisgarh CM, Raman Singh at Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi. Red corridor will become green corridor. Green corridor means peace and development. There will be drums of celebrations, not the sound of bombs exploding. Change can't be brought at gunpoint. It will need dialogue and development. The per capita power consumption statistics and healthcare indicators showcase Chhattisgarh's growth path, added Singh, while responding to questions from media.

SFs recovered a cache of explosives, including mortar bombs and detonators, from a CPI-Maoist dump in the forests of Kanker District. The recovery was made at the dump located between Manhakal and Hethle villages under the Durgkondal Police limits by a joint team of the BSF and District Force, Kanker, SP, K.L. Dhruv said.

Bele Ram Dhruv (42), a villager was killed allegedly by CPI-Maoist cadres on the suspicion that he was a 'Police informer' in Kanker District. The body of Bele Ram was found on the outskirts of his village Sarandi within the Tadoki Police Station limits. A group of Maoists stormed the house of Dhruv, who was running a small cycle store along with a grocery shop, on Saturday (December 2) night, and took him to a nearby forest. They strangled him and threw his body there, the Police said. After getting information, a Police team went to the spot and sent the body for post-mortem. "Dhruv's two brothers are posted as Policemen in Kanker district," a senior Police officer said. The cause behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. Some Maoist pamphlets were recovered from the spot in which he was branded as a Police informer, he said.

Some Maoist pamphlets were found in a field at Barrebeda village in Antagarh region of Kanker District, in which ultras have given a call to observe the 'PLGA Week' from December 2 to 8. SFs have intensified patrolling in the forest of Bastar division.

Chhattisgarh CM, Raman Singh visited to the forested area of Chhindgarh in Sukma District, and unveiled INR 2.31 billion infrastructure package to spur development. Chhindgarh is located in extreme southern tip of the State in Sukma District where the CPI-Maoist have carried out several attacks in past on Police and Para-military Forces and locally it is classified as 'no-go area' for Government officials. CM, Singh laid foundation stones for various constructions works worth INR 2.06 billion while he dedicated four completed construction projects of over INR 240 million to public at a function attended by large number of local tribals who defied Maoists diktat. Singh also distributed bank cheques under 'Tendu patta Bonus Tihar' drive to 550 tribals, provided land patta ownership to 300 tribals and also handed over solar-powered irrigation pumps to 50 local farmers.

An elderly man was killed after a pressure IED planted by CPI-Maoist cadres went off in Kansaram village in Sukma District. The incident took place when the victim, Karko Kanna (70), had gone to an agriculture field for farm-related work in Kansaram village under Kistaram Police Station limits, Sukma, SP, Abhishek Meena said. As per preliminary information, Kanna inadvertently stepped on the pressure IED while passing through the field on the outskirts of the village, around 500 kilometres away from the State capital, Raipur, he said.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed by joint SFs in Sukma District. The Police said, "Maoist cadre was shot dead during a gun battle which took place between joint security forces and Naxals near Duled village under Chintalnar police station limits." A combing operation was launched by State Police and CoBRA in forested area near Duled village, around 500 kilometres from the State capital, Raipur, when the Maoists opened fire at the joint SFs. The personnel took their position and retaliated. A CRPF official said, "The gun battle between security forces and Naxals lasted for an hour. Body of a Maoist cadre was recovered during search operation launched after the encounter." The identity of the slain Maoist is yet to be ascertained.

Three women Maoists were arrested following a gun battle with Policemen in Bijapur District. The cadres were arrested in the forest near Dharma village under Bhairamgarh Police Station, the Police said. A joint team of DRG and local Police had launched a search operation in Bhairamgarh area, around 450 kilometres from the State capital, Raipur, in view of the ongoing 'PLGA Week' observed by the CPI-Maoist from December 2 to 8. When the patrolling team was on the way back, the rebels opened indiscriminate firing on them in the forest on the bank of Indr?vati River near Dharma, following which SFs also retaliated, the Police said. After a brief exchange of fire the Maoists fled to the forests. Meanwhile, three women Maoists identified as Daso Oyam (28), Sunita Oyam (24) and Kumari Oyam (21), all natives of Dharma, were arrested from the spot, a Police official said. Besides, a muzzle loading gun, one tiffin bomb, detonator, couple of fire crackers and Maoist literature were also recovered from their possession, he added.

One DRG personnel was injured when CPI-Maoist cadres fired at a newly set up Police camp at a forest in Kondagaon District. A small action team of the Maoists fired at the Police camp in Hadeli village where some finishing work was underway, following which the SF personnel retaliated and after a brief exchange of fire, the rebels escaped into the dense forest, Police said. Head constable Komal Khalko, belonging to DRG, had sustained bullet injuries. The Police camp was recently set up in Hadeli, located 50 kilometres deep inside forest from Kondagaon town, which is around 200 kilometres away from State capital, Raipur.

Two Maoists identified as Madvi Mada and Bendja Lakhmu were arrested by Chhattisgarh Police from Jangla and Farsegarh area of Bijapur District. They are charged in cases of murder, arson, loot and violence.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested in Sukma District. CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Muchaki Manga (45) and Muchaki Deva (25), were arrested from Chintalnar Police station area when a joint team of SFs during a search operation, said Sundarraj P, DIG, Dantewada Range. The arrested CPI-Maoist cadres were active members of DAKMS - a frontal wing of CPI-Maoist and involved with firing at Police patrolling team in the forests near Chinnabodkel village in November. No harm was caused to SFs in that incident, added Sundarraj.

CPI-Maoist pamphlets were thrown by its cadres in tehsil office of Bijapur City in Bijapur District. CPI-Maoist called for bandh in Bijapur District on December 12 in its pamphlets. These pamphlets were issued by South Sub Zonal Bureau of CPI-Maoist.

The Maoists set ablaze six vehicles used in construction work which include one concrete mixer machine, one JCB, one truck, one road roller and two tractors in Iragaon village of Kondagaon District, during Bharat bandh call on December 12.

A pump house of NMDC Bacheli Deposit-5 project was blown up by the Maoists in Akash Nagar of Dantewada District, during Bharat bandh call on December 12.

A BSNL tower was blown up by the CPI-Maoist rebels in Kanker District, during Bharat bandh call on December 12. The water supply in NMDC mines area was stopped due to blowing of water pump house.

One CPI-Maoist cadre was killed and three DRG personnel were injured in an encounter between SFs and Maoists at Gognuda-Mudopara forest under Phulbagdi Police Station in Sukma District. SDGP, anti-Naxal operations, DM Awasthi, said that as DRG team was approaching the Maoists, the rebels triggered a landmine blast and indefinitely opened fire at the operation team. He added, three personnel were injured in the IED blast and a Maoist cadre was killed in the encounter that ensued soon after the explosion.

A woman Maoist cadre was killed by STF of Chhattisgarh Police in an encounter at Jarampalli forest in Bijapur District. The killed Maoist cadre has been identified as Kosi Sodhi, an 'area committee member' of Pamed area committee of CPI-Maoist and believed to a close aide of 'wanted' Maoist 'commander' Papa Rao, who managed to escape. Sori's body was recovered by the SFs along with a rifle and Maoist literature. Papa Rao, who allegedly several deadly attacks on SFs including the 2010 Tadmetla massacre (Dantewada) that claimed the lives of 74 CRPF personnel, is active in south Bastar region and his name figured as mastermind in major incidents of Maoist violence in Dantewada region.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres identified as Madkam Hidma (22) and Madkam Deva (21) were arrested by a joint team of CRPF and DF, near Sameli village under Aranpur Police Station limits in Dantewada District. The patrolling team spotted some suspects hiding in the forests near Sameli following which they started encircling them. While some of them managed to escape, Hidma and Deva, active as 'Jan militia' members, were arrested, the Police said. The two, during interrogation, revealed that they had planted a pipe bomb on the side of the road and were waiting for the SFs to target them; the official said adding "a major tragedy was averted with their arrest." According to the arrested Maoists, local Maoist commander Somdu and his associates Linga and Gundadhur were also present there but their managed to flee inside forest when forces arrived there, he added. One claymore mine, two pipe bombs, one bundle wire and three kilograms of iron splinter were also recovered from their possession, the Police added.

One CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in an encounter with the SFs in Sukma District. The SFs had launched an operation in Bhejji Police Station area in the District, where an exchange of fire took place in Dabbakonta village forest. The body of CPI-Maoist cadre indentified as Madvi Bandi, a member of the Konta Local Guerrilla Squad (KLGS) in uniform with a bore gun and some other material was recovered from the encounter spot.

DRG team killed a CPI-Maoist cadre during a gun-battle in Sawnar-Korcholio forest of Gangaloor in Bijapur District. A muzzle-loading gun, a bore gun and some live cartridges were recovered. The identity of the dead CPI-Maoist cadre was yet to be ascertained.

CPI-Maoist cadres have torched vehicles engaged in road construction at Konta region of Kistaram jurisdiction of Sukma District. 'It was the first time that armed cadres from battalion had indulged into torching of vehicles, which indicates their level of frustration', said Jitendra Shukla, ASP, Sukma. Maoists led by their leader, Hidima torched 18 tractors, 3 Hyva cranes, a road roller and other vehicles in Sukma District.

Seven CPI-Maoist cadres identified as Madvi Deva (25), Sodhi Kuma (20), Kuram Kosa (30), Kuram Hidma (20), Muchaki Ayta (21), Kawasi Joga (22) and Beko Ganga (35), were arrested by SFs at forests falling under Kistaram Police Station limits of Sukma District.

Three CPI-Maoist cadres indentified as Sudor Vatti (30), Somaru Kavde (22) and Balmati Korram (40), carrying a reward of INR 2,000 on her head, have surrendered before Narayanpur, SP, Santosh Singh in Narayanpur District.

One CPI-Maoist was killed in an encounter by a party of C-60 Commandos of Gadchiroli Police during a joint operation of the Police from Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh in the forest surrounding Sandra and Jaragudam villages along the border of the two States, at Sandra Village under Bhopal Patnam Tehsil in Bijapur District. Police have recovered a 12 bore rifle from the encounter site. The Maoist is yet to be identified.