A fierce encounter took place between security forces and Naxalites in Bijapur, a Naxal-affected district of Chhattisgarh. A Naxalite has been killed in the encounter. AK-47 rifle has been recovered from the spot. Security forces are conducting a search operation on the spot.
Bastar IG P Sundarraj said that security forces were on patrol in the forests of Bandepara. Meanwhile the Naxalites started firing. In retaliation, security forces surrounded the area. A Naxalite was killed in several rounds of firing. AK-47 rifle has been recovered from the spot. Search operation is going on.
Police and security forces are on alert to ensure peaceful conduct of assembly elections in the state. In the first phase, most of the 20 seats for which voting is to be held on November 7 are in Naxal affected areas. There is a possibility of Naxalites becoming active again after the announcement of election dates. Security has been increased on the seats where elections are to be held on November 7.