Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Jul 7: A major blow was dealt to Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district as security forces gunned down a top commander, Sodhi Kanna, during an intense encounter in the dense forest region of the National Park area.
The gunbattle took place on July 5, following a meticulously planned large-scale operation initiated a day earlier, after credible intelligence pointed to the presence of senior Maoist leaders and heavily armed cadres in the area.
According to officials, Sodhi Kanna held the post of deputy commander in Company No. 2 of the PLGA’s (People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army) Battalion No. 1. He was also a divisional committee member (CYPM/DVCM) and carried a bounty of ?8 lakh under the state’s surrender and rehabilitation scheme.
A joint force—comprising District Reserve Guards (DRG) from Bijapur and Dantewada, Special Task Force (STF), elite Cobra battalions (202 and 210) of the CRPF, and the Young Platoon—swept the area post-encounter and recovered Kanna’s body. A .303 rifle was also seized from the site.
Kanna was a high-value target due to his involvement in several violent insurgent operations, including the infamous Tekalgudiyam encounter and the attack on the Dharmaram security camp. He was known to be a close associate of notorious Maoist leader Madvi Hidma and served as a sniper within the battalion—making his death a tactical setback for the rebels.
Police sources indicate that the operation may have disrupted a significant Maoist congregation, which possibly included Telangana State Committee member Bandi Prakash, along with National Park Area Committee leaders like Dilip Bendja alias Sukku, Bhima Kovasi alias Situ, and Mohan Kadti.
Multiple firefights were reported as forces navigated the rugged terrain in pursuit of these high-ranking cadres. A substantial haul of weapons and materials was recovered, including:
• A .303 rifle with five live cartridges
• An AK-47 magazine loaded with 59 rounds
• Maoist uniforms
• Codex wire, safety fuses, and detonators
• A radio set and other communication tools
• Maoist literature, explosive components, daily essentials, and a Naxal rucksack
Security forces are continuing search operations across the dense forest region to intercept any remaining insurgents and prevent regrouping. Officials remain on high alert, anticipating retaliatory movements in the days ahead.