Soldier’s Exclusive Account: 29 Maoists Killed in Intense 4-Hour Operation

On the night of April 15, a search party initiated a big operation against Maoists in Hapatola in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh. The personnel, including Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) teams, executed a search and cordon operation that led to a fierce gun battle lasting for more than 15 hours. The result was 29 Maoists dead, including their top commander, Shankar Rao, who had a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head.

Three personnel were injured, and the operation was declared a success. Sub-Inspector Ramesh Chandra Chaudhary, who was injured during the operation, detailed the sequence of events, including the first encounter with the Maoists and the subsequent search for the rebels in the jungle. The Maoists were armed with various weapons, including Kalashnikovs, Light Machine Guns, rifles like INSAS, and other automatic weapons.

BSF and DRG troops meticulously planned their ascent and surrounded the Maoists. The dense jungle turned into a battleground as the troops engaged in a fierce battle with the Maoists. Sub Inspector Chaudhary recalled the details of the operation and highlighted the dangerous tactics used by the Maoists, including using automatic weapons while lying on the ground.

Despite getting hit during the operation, he continued to observe and guide his troops. Suryakant Shrimali, a personnel from the DRG, also shared his experience of laying a cordon from two sides to ambush the Maoists, leading to a battle that lasted almost four hours. He highlighted the determination of their team to complete the operation, resulting in a big success.

Overall, the operation against the Maoists in Hapatola was a significant success, leading to the elimination of several Maoists and their top commander, Shankar Rao. The bravery and determination of the BSF and DRG personnel were evident throughout the operation, despite facing intense resistance from the well-armed Maoists.