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Raipur/Bijapur, Jan 17 (IANS) Security forces achieved a significant breakthrough in their ongoing anti-LWE campaign in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, neutralising four Maoist cadres, including a female cadre, during a series of encounters in the district's north-western forested and hilly terrain on Saturday.

The operation was launched after intelligence inputs confirmed the presence of notorious Maoist leader Dilip Bedja, a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) of the National Park Area Committee, along with other armed cadres.

Acting on this information, a joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA), and Special Task Force (STF) initiated a special search mission in the remote region.

According to Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Yadav, the operation began in the morning and was marked by intermittent exchanges of fire between the Maoists and the security forces.

The dense forests and difficult geographical conditions posed major challenges, but the forces maintained their ground and advanced cautiously.

Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, praised the personnel for their discipline, strategic efficiency, and courage in executing the operation under such hostile conditions.

He emphasized that the coordinated efforts of DRG, COBRA, and STF units are proving decisive in weakening Maoist strongholds in the region.

By noon, security forces recovered the bodies of two Maoist cadres from the encounter site.

Later in the evening, another clash led to the killing of two more Maoists, including a female cadre. Initial identification confirmed that one of the deceased was Dilip Bedja, a key figure in the Maoist hierarchy. The other cadres are suspected to belong to the same area committee, though verification is still underway.

From the site, forces seized a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a .303 rifle, and grenades, underscoring the heavy firepower the Maoists intended to use against the forces.

In view of possible threats, intensive search operations continue in the surrounding forests and hills to ensure no armed cadres escape. Security forces remain on high alert, determined to dismantle Maoist networks and restore peace in the region.

--IANS

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