Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 5 (HBTV): Security forces conducted a major operation against Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district during the first half of June 2025, resulting in the deaths of seven Maoists following a series of intense encounters in the National Park area, police said on Saturday.

Among those killed were two senior leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist), marking a significant setback for the insurgent group.

According to an official release, the anti-Maoist operations in Bijapur's National Park area were conducted intensively during the first fortnight of June. Security personnel engaged in multiple exchanges of fire with Maoist cadres, following which the bodies of seven Maoists were recovered.

Among the deceased were two prominent Maoist leaders — Gautam alias Sudhakar, a Central Committee member, and Bhaskar Rao, a State Committee member of the CPI (Maoist), the statement added.

Another individual identified among the dead was Mahesh Kodiyam, a resident of Irpagutta village under the jurisdiction of Farsegarh Police Station in Bijapur district. Inquest proceedings confirmed that he was an active member of the banned outfit operating in the National Park Area division.

The release also revealed that Mahesh Kodiyam had been employed as a cook assistant at the primary school in Irpagutta village. He was appointed by the school management committee and received remuneration for his services until March 2025.

Authorities are currently investigating how Kodiyam came into contact with top Maoist leaders such as Gautam and Bhaskar Rao. A thorough and impartial investigation is being conducted into all aspects of the case.

Police have once again appealed to individuals associated directly or indirectly with the CPI (Maoist) to sever all ties with the organisation. Continued association with the banned group not only endangers public safety and regional stability but also poses a serious risk to the lives and futures of those involved, the release said.

(ANI)