A decisive anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur culminated in the elimination of six insurgents—including four women—in a volatile jungle encounter at the Bhopalpatnam-Farsegarh frontier within National Park confines.
Joint forces, fueled by intel on Dy. Commander Dilip Bendza, penetrated the area with DGR Bijapur, DGR Dantewada, STF, and CRPF 214. Rebels’ ambush ignited a fierce battle.
Bodies recovered included Bendza (Rs 8L bounty, 135 cases) and five others—ACM Madvi Kosa, Palo Podium, Lakhi Madkam, Juglo Banjam, Radha Metta (Rs 27L total rewards). Trophies: 2 AK-47s, 2 rifles, 1 carbine, BGL, grenades, explosives, wireless, literature.
SSP Dr. Jitendra Yadav spotlighted Bendza’s terror legacy. Two soldiers hurt by wildlife are stable.
Anti-Naxal ledger: 229 killed (163 in ’25, 8 in ’26), 1126 arrested, 876 surrendered since ’24 start.
IG Sundarraj P. of Bastar praised ops and locals, urging capitulation as Maoism wanes.