In a major blow to Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh, a top sniper and deputy commander of the Maoists’ elite Battalion No. 1, Sodhi Kanna, was killed during a prolonged encounter with security forces in Bijapur district, officials confirmed on Monday.
The operation took place in the dense forests of Indravati National Park, a known stronghold of Maoist activity in South Bastar. The gun battle began on July 4 following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of key Maoist units, including the Telangana State Committee (TSC), the National Park area committee, and the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1.
The encounter lasted nearly 48 hours, with intermittent exchanges of fire. After the conclusion of the operation, the body of Sodhi Kanna was recovered along with a .303 rifle, detonators, and a cache of ammunition.
Kanna, who carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh on his head, played a dual role as sniper and deputy commander within the Maoist military wing. His death is seen as a significant setback to the Maoists’ long-range combat capability in the region, said Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces for their bravery and determination, saying the successful operation reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism in Bastar.
According to official figures, at least 415 Maoists have been killed in various encounters across the Bastar division in the past 18 months, marking a steady decline in insurgent strength in one of India’s most troubled zones.
