The woman Naxalite killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists in Amatola-Kalpar forest area of Kanker district of Chhattisgarh has been identified. Police has confirmed that the deceased woman Maoist has been identified as Shanti alias Deve, an active member of PLGA, on which a reward of ₹ 8 lakh was declared by the government.
This campaign was carried out on 20 June. The encounter took place in the forest and mountainous area across the Kotri river between village Amatola and Kalpar of Chhotabethia police station area. The joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF) conducted the operation on the basis of accurate information.
Kanker Superintendent of Police (SP) Indira Kalyan Alesela said that after receiving reliable information, joint security forces laid siege and encountered the Maoists. A woman Maoist was killed in the encounter. Later he was identified as Shanti aka Deve, resident Gundem, District Bijapur.
Shanti was earlier active in the Gobra Area Committee of Gariaband district. Later she started working in North Bastar Division and was associated with PLGA company number 5 and company number 7. His role as a senior cadre of the banned CPI Maoist organization was very important. In view of his dangerous activities and role in the organization, the government had declared a reward of ₹ 8 lakh on him.
A.303 rifle, a desi BGL launcher, seven live bullets, two pitti bags, two pittle bags, two mobile charger and batteries, Maoist documents and literature, first aid medicines, a large amount of daily use have been recovered from the scene.
During this encounter, some other Maoists managed to escape by taking advantage of the forest and mountainous area. A search operation is still going on by the security forces in the surrounding areas so that the absconding Naxalites can also be caught.
Describing this action as an important success, Inspector General of Police of Bastar Range, Sundararaj Pattalingam said that the roots of Maoist violence in Dandakaranya region are now weakening. Security forces are working with full devotion and courage to protect the citizens and establish an environment. The surrender and rehabilitation policy of the government is still open to the Maoist cadres who want to leave the path of violence and return to the mainstream.
412 Maoists piles or arrested in 18 months
It is noteworthy that 412 Naxalite cadres have been killed or caught in action against Maoists in Bastar range during the last 18 months. These include many top Maoist leaders like Basavaraju alias Ganganna (CPI Maoist General Secretary) and Gautam alias Sudhakar (CCM).
Death in the encounter of Shanti aka Deve is not only a major success for the security forces, but it also indicates that the network of Maoists is now weakening. Security agencies are committed to make these areas free by campaigning continuously. Police say that detailed information related to criminal cases lodged against the deceased woman Maoist and tenure in her organization is being collected.