Bijapur Naxal Dump: Rs 14 Crore Cash, Gold Recovered

Major Bijapur Naxal dump worth Rs 14 crore recovered after surrenders; security forces intensify operations across Bastar region

Major recovery in Bijapur

In a significant breakthrough in anti-Naxal operations, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district have recovered a massive Naxal dump worth approximately Rs 14 crore. The haul includes around Rs 3 crore in cash and nearly 7 kilograms of gold, making it one of the largest recoveries to date, according to officials.

The recovery followed the surrender of 25 Naxal cadres on March 31, who provided key inputs leading to the discovery. Authorities described the development as a major success under ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the Bastar region.

Surrenders across districts

Alongside Bijapur, a total of 34 Naxals surrendered across four districts — including Dantewada, Sukma and Kanker — on the same day. Officials indicated that coordinated operations and sustained outreach programmes contributed to the increased number of surrenders.

In Bijapur alone, the surrendered cadres were linked to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and handed over 93 weapons. Among them were 12 women cadres, with a combined bounty of Rs 1.47 crore declared earlier.

Key operatives involved

Police sources said several high-ranking operatives were among those who surrendered. These included individuals allegedly involved in multiple violent incidents over the years.

Officials identified names such as Mangal Korsa alias Motu, Akash alias Phagu Uike, Shankar Muchaki and Pale Kursam. According to records, some of them were involved in multiple major attacks targeting security forces and civilians.

Weapons and earlier seizures

Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons, including INSAS rifles, SLRs, carbines and launchers during separate operations. Authorities noted that the Bijapur recovery adds to earlier seizures in the district.

Between January 2024 and March 2026, over 1,000 Maoist cadres have surrendered in Bijapur. Prior to this latest operation, assets worth over Rs 5 crore had been seized, including gold and cash. The cumulative recovery now stands at over Rs 19 crore, officials said.

Dantewada ‘Naxal-free’ claim

In neighbouring Dantewada, five Naxals surrendered under a rehabilitation programme conducted at the district police lines. Officials claimed that sustained operations and development initiatives have significantly reduced Naxal activity in the district.

The district police stated that Dantewada can now be considered “Naxal-free,” citing the absence of major incidents and increased public cooperation. However, independent verification of this claim remains awaited.

Situation in Sukma, Kanker

In Sukma, two women Naxals carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh each surrendered. Police said they also led teams to a smaller dump that included weapons and Rs 5 lakh in cash.

Meanwhile, in Kanker, two more cadres laid down arms, though officials confirmed that around 14 Naxals are still believed to be active in the district. Efforts are underway to establish contact and encourage further surrenders.

Centre’s broader push

The developments come amid the Centre’s stated target to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. Speaking in Parliament recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that Naxal influence in regions like Bastar has “almost ended.”

He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, education and welfare schemes as contributing factors behind the decline in insurgency. According to officials, increased access to basic services and livelihood opportunities has weakened the support base of extremist groups.

What lies ahead

Security agencies are now focusing on consolidating gains through continued operations and rehabilitation efforts. Officials indicated that intelligence gathered from surrendered cadres will guide further action in remaining pockets.

The latest Bijapur Naxal dump recovery is being seen as a critical step in dismantling the financial networks of insurgent groups. Authorities believe sustained pressure and development initiatives will play a key role in ensuring long-term stability in the region.