A major breakthrough in anti-Naxal operations was reported from Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, where security forces eliminated a senior woman Maoist leader during an encounter in the forested region of Chhotebethiya. The deceased has been identified as Rupi Reddy, an Area Committee Member who had been on the radar of security agencies for a long time.

The encounter took place in the Machpalli forest area under Chhotebethiya police station limits. According to officials, a joint team of security personnel launched a search operation early in the morning after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the region.

Early Morning Search Operation Turns into Gunfight

Security forces initiated a combing operation between 4 and 5 AM in the dense forest. During the operation, Maoists opened fire on the team, prompting a swift retaliation from the forces. The exchange of fire continued for some time before the situation was brought under control.

After the encounter ended, the body of Rupi Reddy was recovered from the spot. A pistol was also seized from her possession, indicating her active involvement in armed insurgent activities.

Key Maoist Figure in North Bastar

Rupi Reddy was considered one of the prominent active cadres in North Bastar following a series of surrenders and eliminations of top Maoist leaders in recent months. Police sources revealed that she had been repeatedly urged to surrender but continued to play a crucial role in Maoist operations.

She was reportedly involved in efforts to prevent other cadres from laying down arms, thereby sustaining Maoist presence in the region.

Connection to Senior Maoist Leader

Rupi Reddy was the wife of Vijay Reddy, a State Committee Member who had earlier been killed in an encounter in the Rajnandgaon and Mohla-Manpur-Chowki region. After his death, Rupi is believed to have taken on a more influential role within the Maoist network in Kanker.

Massive Surrenders and Recovery of Maoist Cache

On March 31, which was set as a deadline for eliminating Maoist influence, a significant number of insurgents surrendered in Bijapur district. A total of 25 Maoists laid down their arms, leading to the recovery of a massive cache valued at around Rs 14 crore. The recovered materials included approximately Rs 3 crore in cash and 7 kilograms of gold, marking one of the largest such recoveries to date.

In addition, 34 Maoists surrendered across four districts, including Dantewada, Sukma, and Kanker. Authorities have claimed that Dantewada district has been largely cleared of Maoist presence.

Continued Efforts to End Maoist Insurgency

Police officials confirmed that search operations are still ongoing in the area to track down other Maoist members who may have fled during the encounter. Efforts are also being made to establish contact with active cadres to encourage surrender.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had stated in Parliament that the government had achieved its target of significantly curbing Maoist violence. He emphasized that the influence of Maoists has declined sharply across most parts of the country.