5 Maoists Killed As Security Forces Intensify Combing Ops
Combing operations were continuing in the area till Thursday evening
Warangal, Hyderabad: Five Maoists were reportedly killed in an exchange of fire with security forces along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border in the dense forests of Karreguttalu in Mulugu district early on Thursday.
The encounter took place during a joint search operation in the forest areas of Doli and Jelia villages in Venkatapuram mandal. The operation was part of ‘Operation Kagar-2’,
Security personnel from the CRPF, COBRA, Greyhounds and the District Reserve Guard (DRG), numbering around 5,000, participated in the operation in the Karregutta hillocks, considered a stronghold of the banned CPI (Maoist).
According to preliminary reports, the exchange of fire began at dawn when patrolling teams encountered a group of armed Maoists. The identities of the deceased were yet to be officially confirmed. Police sources indicated that those killed were suspected to be members of a Maoist area committee. Security forces reportedly recovered automatic weapons, literature and other materials from the site.
Security forces have launched an intensified combing operation along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border following inputs that senior Maoist leaders may be sheltering in the area. Sources said around 300 banned Maoists have remained underground in recent months after Operation Kagar. Intelligence inputs suggested that central committee member Devji, Mala Raji Reddy and senior leader Bade Chokkaram alias Damodar were suspected to be present in the Karreguttalu region.
The special operation is being carried out in forest areas of Venkatapuram mandal in Mulugu district and adjoining border regions. Though officials have not officially confirmed the presence of senior leaders, sources indicated that some Maoist functionaries may have moved into Mulugu district to evade security surveillance.
The intensified search comes amid a stated target of curbing the activities of the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation. Combing operations are under way at multiple locations in the region.
Meanwhile, senior police officials have appealed to underground Maoists from Telangana to surrender and avail themselves of rehabilitation benefits offered by the government.
Police said senior Maoist leaders, including Central Committee member Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devji and Bade Chokka Rao alias Damodar, were believed to have used the Karregutta hillocks as a shelter zone.
In recent weeks, security forces established Forward Operating Bases, including a CRPF 39th Battalion camp near Pamuru in Mulugu district and another in Bijapur district, to curb Maoist movement and supply lines.
Combing operations were continuing in the area till Thursday evening. Officials said the situation was under watch and further details were awaited.
