Senior Maoist Leader Killed In Joint Security Operation In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur

News18

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Sodhi Kanna, who served as a deputy commander in a Maoist organisation, was killed in a joint operation by security forces launched on July 4.
The deputy commander of a Maoist group, who carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh, was killed in a joint operation launched by security forces on July 4 in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, dealing a major blow to the Maoist organisation's capabilities.
The man was identified as Sodhi Kanna, who served as the deputy commander of Company No. 02 of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 01. He was involved in several major Maoist operations in the Tekalgudium area in Telangana, including an attack on the Dharmaram camp, according to an official statement. The PLGA is linked to the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).
After Bijapur's Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Yadav, received credible intelligence of Maoist activity in the National Park of the district, a coordinated search operation by security forces involving DRG Bijapur, CoBRA 210 and the CRPF Young Platoon was launched on July 4, according to the statement.
As per the intelligence, members of the Telangana State Committee, National Park Area Committee, PLGA Battalion No. 01, and other armed Maoist cadres were active in the region. Intermittent encounters between the Maoist forces and the security personnel began after the operation was launched.
Following the operation, a search of the area led to the recovery of the body of an armed Maoist in uniform, a .303 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a large cache of explosive materials, and other Naxal-related items, including backpacks and Maoist literature, from the encounter site.
P Sundarraj, Bastar Inspector General (IG) of Police informed that the bodies of more than 415 Maoists have been recovered over the past 18 months. 'This figure clearly reflects the effective planning, courageous actions, and strong public support behind the efforts of the security forces," he said in a statement.
'It is particularly noteworthy that even during this challenging monsoon season, marked by heavy rainfall and difficult terrain, there has been no let-up in the alertness, commitment, and operational momentum of the security forces. Despite slippery jungle paths, hilly terrains, and constantly changing weather, forces including the DRG, STF, CoBRA, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CAF, and Bastar Fighters are carrying out their missions with unwavering determination," he added.
The banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) has been severely weakened after a string of major setbacks, as the strength of its top leadership bodies has been significantly depleted due to the government's pledge to eradicate Naxalism by 2026.
First Published:
July 07, 2025, 14:15 IST