SOG Operation in Balaghat: Two Naxal Terrorists Gunned Down

In a decisive operation conducted by a Special Operation Group (SOG) affiliated with Hawkforce, two Naxal terrorists, including a woman, were gunned down in an encounter in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district. The encounter unfolded in the depths of the Pitkona forest, within the jurisdiction of Lanji police station, on Monday night.

The woman Naxal, identified as Sajanti alias Kranti from Sukma, Chhattisgarh, was apprehended with a bounty totaling Rs. 29 lakh from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. She held a prominent position as a member of the divisional committee of Extension Platoon-02 of Kanha-Bhoramdev division.

Additionally, the other Naxal, identified as Raghu alias Sher Singh, hailing from Balaghat, was carrying a reward totaling Rs. 14 lakh from the aforementioned states. Raghu was associated with the Malanjkhand Area Committee, reflecting the extent of Naxal activities across state boundaries.

During the operation, the police recovered a cache of arms and equipment from the slain terrorists, including an AK-47, a 12 bore rifle, two BGL shells (Barrel Grenade Launcher), wireless sets, radios, and various daily use items. This successful operation not only neutralised the immediate threat posed by the terrorists but also yielded crucial evidence for further investigations.

 

The successful operation was initiated based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of 20-25 Naxalites in the Pitkona forest area. Responding swiftly to the intelligence, a joint team led by Commandant Hawk and Balaghat SP, along with SOG personnel, launched intensive combing operations in the region. The coordinated efforts led to the neutralisation of the two naxalites, underscoring the commitment of security forces to combat Naxalism and maintain law and order in the region.

In a similar operation conducted earlier on September 30, 2023, a 25-year-old Naxalite named Kamlu, carrying a reward of ₹14 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with an elite combat unit of the Madhya Pradesh police in Balaghat district.

Kamlu was an active member of the Naxali Dalam Tanda Dadekasa unit of the banned outfit. The encounter took place when the State police’s elite Hawk Force was carrying out a search operation in the Kundal-Koddapar and Sounguda forest areas under Rupjhar police station limits.

These successful operations dealt a significant blow to the Naxal movement in the region. The elimination of these high-profile Naxals is expected to cause a leadership vacuum and could lead to further weakening of the Naxal groups operating in the area.

The police forces have been lauded for their bravery and tactical acumen in carrying out the operation. The operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the intelligence-based operations being carried out by the police forces against the Naxals.

While this operation marks a significant victory, the police forces are not letting their guard down. They are committed to maintaining the pressure on the Naxals and are prepared for any retaliatory action.

This operation is a reminder of the ongoing conflict between the state and the Naxal groups. While the state is making significant strides in neutralising the Naxal threat, it also underscores the need for unrelenting force against these anti-national elements.

Report by


Shomen Chandra
Intern, The Narrative