Maoist Woman Hurt in Bijapur IED Explosion; Allies Flee

An incident in Bijapur, a central hub for Naxal activity in Chhattisgarh, revealed the harsh reality of Maoist operations. An IED, laid by Maoists, detonated in the Bandepara jungle under the jurisdiction of Madder police station, gravely injuring a female Maoist. In a display of abandonment, her fellow rebels seized her weapon and left her behind in the wilderness. Local residents alerted the authorities, prompting a response from the Madder police. The team, supported by local villagers, extracted the injured woman from the jungle and administered first aid. She was then transferred to Bijapur District Hospital for further treatment. Police identified the injured Maoist as Gujja Sodhi, an active member of the Madder Area Committee for around six to seven years. She was working alongside ACM Kanna Buchchana and carried a 12-bore weapon. Security forces have condemned the incident as a demonstration of the Maoists’ cruelty and organizational failings, where they left one of their own to suffer. A comprehensive search operation is now underway in the affected area.