Chief Minister Sai congratulates security forces on the neutralisation of Maoist commander with Rs 8 Lakh Bounty Killed in Bijapur Encounter

Top Maoist Leader Sodhi Kanna Killed in Bijapur; Arms Recovered, Operation Continues-Photo Credit -PTI

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has praised the indomitable courage, precise strategy and public participation of the security forces on the neutralisation of Sodhi Kanna, deputy commander of the PLGa battalion of Maoists with a Bounty of Rs 8 lakh in Bijapur district of Bastar on Monday July 7, 2025.

He said that under the guidance of the successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah , the mission to make the country Naxal-free by March 31 , 2026 has reached a decisive stage. The Chhattisgarh government is engaged in this campaign with full commitment.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Sai said that this action is a living example of the valor and well-planned operations of our brave security forces. The continuous and decisive actions of the security forces have broken the backbone of the Naxal organisation.

Today Naxalism is breathing its last. The Chhattisgarh government will continue this campaign with full determination. He said that in the times to come, victory of democracy, trust and progress would be ensured in every region of the state, CM added.

Let us tell you that Kanna, who held the rank of deputy commander in company No. 02 of PLGA (People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army) battalion No. 01 and was also a CYPM/DVCM (divisional committee member), carried a bounty of Rs 8 lakh under the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, said the police officials.

His body was recovered from the encounter site, along with a .303 rifle, during a sweep of the area by the joint team comprising DRG (District Reserve Guard) units from Bijapur and Dantewada, the STF, CRPF’s Cobra 202 and 210 battalions, and the Young Platoon.

Kanna had a long history of involvement in major insurgent activities, including the Tekalgudiyam encounter and the attack on the Dharmaram camp. He was also known to have operated in close coordination with Madvi Hidma and served as a skilled sniper within the PLGA battalion — a role that made his elimination a tactical setback for Maoist operations in the region.

Officials believe the operation disrupted a high-level Maoist gathering, possibly involving Telangana State Committee member Bandi Prakash and National Park Area Committee leaders like Dilip Bendja alias Sukku, Bhima Kovasi alias Situ, and Mohan Kadti.

Multiple exchanges of fire occurred as security forces moved through the forested terrain in search of these cadres. A substantial cache of arms, ammunition including a .303 rifle with five live rounds, an AK-47 magazine with 59 live rounds, a Maoist uniform, codex wire, safety fuses, detonators, a Naxalite pouch and rucksack, a radio set, Maoist literature, daily-use items, explosive components and other communication devices, was also recovered from the site.

The combing operation continues across the rugged landscape, as forces remain vigilant for further insurgent movement in the area.

( With inputs from x.com//vishnudsai/ CG/PR and PTI )