Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Sep 28: In a significant victory for security forces, top Maoist commander Shravan Madkam, also known as Vishwanath or Budhram Punem, was killed during a fierce encounter in the dense Tiarpani forests of Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. The operation, ongoing since Sunday, is a joint effort by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Border Security Force (BSF).
Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elisela confirmed Shravan’s death. He was the Secretary of the Sitanadi-Ravas Coordination Area Committee and a key figure in Maoist leadership. Alongside him, two other prominent Maoists—Rajesh alias Rakesh Hemla, commander of the Nagari Area Committee/Gobra LOS, and Basanti Kunjam alias Hidmen PM, member of the Mainpur-Nuapada Coordination Protection Team—were also neutralized.
The clash took place in the rugged, hilly terrain near Chhindkharak village, close to the border of Dhamtari and Odisha. Following the encounter, security forces recovered the bodies of two men and one woman Maoist, along with a cache of weapons including an SLR, a .303 rifle, and a 12-bore rifle, among other materials.
The combined bounty on the three was Rs 14 lakh, with Shravan alone carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh, Rajesh Rs 5 lakh, and Basanti Rs 1 lakh.
Elisela stated the operation was launched after credible intelligence indicated Maoist movement in the central forest areas of Kanker. The encounter is still active, with security personnel conducting extensive combing operations to ensure the area is fully cleared.
This development deals a major setback to Maoist activities in the region, particularly with the elimination of a high-ranking leader like Shravan. Authorities believe this will disrupt the coordination among Maoist factions along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border.
Security has been heightened across neighboring districts, with additional forces deployed to ensure thorough sanitization of the area. Police have reaffirmed their dedication to uprooting Maoist influence and restoring lasting peace to the region.