Security forces launched a major counter-insurgency operation in the dense forest and hill terrain of Bijapur district, South Chhattisgarh on Saturday morning after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of senior Maoist commander Paparao, triggering a prolonged exchange of fire that is still underway.
According to official sources, joint teams of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and CoBRA battalion moved into the north-western forest belt of the district early in the morning as part of a coordinated search operation. During the combing operation, Maoist cadres opened fire, leading to intermittent but intense gun battles between the two sides. Unconfirmed field reports indicate that the bodies of two Maoists have been recovered from the encounter site. However, authorities have refrained from issuing official confirmation, citing the continuation of the operation and the need to verify ground details.
Security officials said the operation was launched following actionable intelligence about Maoist movement in the region, which has long been considered a core operational zone of the outlawed outfit. The difficult terrain, marked by thick forests, steep hills and limited access routes, has posed operational challenges, but forces are proceeding cautiously to prevent any casualties among personnel.
Given the ongoing nature of the operation, police have not disclosed the exact location of the encounter, the number of security personnel involved, or other tactical details. Senior officers stressed that withholding such information is necessary to ensure the safety of forces deployed in the field.
The operation is being closely monitored by senior police officers, with additional units kept on standby if required. A detailed briefing on casualties, recoveries and the outcome of the operation will be issued after the search concludes.