Major Maoist Arrests in Sukma: Security Forces Deliver Decisive Blow to Maoist Terror

 

 

The operation was carried out on August 12, 2024, and led to a significant setback for the Maoist network in the region with a crackdown against Maoists, particularly from the neighbouring Gadchiroli area of Maharashtra.

 

The operation was launched in view of credible intelligence inputs about the movement of Maoist terrorists in the Misiguda village and its periphery. The operation was planned and executed by a team of the District Force, elite District Reserve Guard (DRG), and 165th Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

 

Led by senior officer Shri Tomesh Verma, SDPO Jagargunda and the team entered the dense jungle-mountainous terrain of Chikometta in search of the notorious terrorists.

 

While seeing the approaching security, Maoists tried to escape but were soon capped. One of the arrested terrorists, Uika Chaitu, a former Area Committee Member from Gadchiroli Maharashtra, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh.

 

Similarly, those held were Kunjam Sukhlal, Padam Hunga Uika Lakhe (woman), and Padam Sannu. All are residents of the Jagargunda area and carried different ranks one after another in the Maoist hierarchy.

 

During the search of arrested terrorists, a huge quantity of explosive material, such as gunpowder, detonators, tiger bombs, gelatin rods, and Cordex wire, along with Maoist literature, has been recovered.

 

During further interrogation, they revealed that these articles were meant for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to attack the security personnel. This fact highlights the seriousness of the dangers security forces face when stationed in Maoist-inhabited territories.

 

After the arrest, a case has been registered against the Maoists under relevant sections of the Explosives Substances Act. They were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.

 

The security forces are carrying out ops in the area to apprehend remaining Maoists who may have been part of this nefarious conspiracy.

 

This operation reveals security forces' zeal in the overarching resolve against these Maoist terrorists. It also emphasises the importance of intelligence collection and interagency cooperation in tackling the Maoist threat.

 

The arrest of a top Maoist terrorist with the seizure of explosive substances is highly likely to cripple their network and also add fuel towards on-going efforts for peace and normalcy in this area.