Police Encounter in Maharashtra Kills Two Female Maoists

Two female Maoists were killed during a police operation in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, on Wednesday, according to news agency ANI. The police reported that they received intelligence regarding the presence of members of the Gatta Local Organization Squad (LOS) camping in a forest near Modaske Village, prompting an immediate response.

Under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police Aheri Satya Sai Karthik, a team consisting of five C60 units launched an operation from Aheri. The operation was supported by personnel from the Gatta Jambhiya Post and the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) E Company 191 Battalion, who laid an outer cordon around the area. As the C60 contingent searched the jungle, they came under fire from Maoist militants, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Neelotpal, the Superintendent of Police in Gadchiroli, stated, “When the C60 contingent was searching the jungle area, they were fired at indiscriminately by Maoists, and they responded effectively.” Following the confrontation, police recovered the bodies of the two female Maoists, along with an AK-47 rifle, a sophisticated pistol, live ammunition, and a significant amount of Maoist literature and personal belongings.

The operation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to monitor the area for further activity.

In a related incident earlier this month, two Maoists with a bounty of Rs 8 lakh each were killed in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. This occurred on September 12, 2023, during a District Reserve Guard (DRG) operation based on credible intelligence regarding Maoist presence in the region. The operation resulted in an exchange of gunfire, leading to the deaths of the two individuals involved. Security forces recovered various weapons, including a 303 rifle and a 12-bore gun, along with explosive materials and Maoist literature.

In another development in Maharashtra, three individuals were arrested in Kurje village of Palghar district after local residents allegedly attacked police officers who intervened during a protest against a power project. The confrontation occurred on Tuesday evening, resulting in injuries to several police personnel. The authorities have registered a case and are actively searching for additional suspects involved in the incident.

These events underscore the ongoing challenges and complexities faced by law enforcement in regions affected by Maoist insurgency and local unrest.