14 Maoists killed, including infamous leader Chalapati; 'Naxalism breathing its last today'

RAIPUR: 14 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces at Gariaband on the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border on Tuesday. According to the police, a senior member of the Central Committee and Maoist leader Chalapati alias Jairam Reddy was eliminated in the mission. Chalapati had Rs one crore bounty on his head.

The encounter took place this morning. The operation was jointly conducted by the police of Chhattisgarh and Odisha states, the Cobra commandos of Chhattisgarh, the Odisha Special Operation Group and CRPF.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the operation a big success and a step to make Bharat a Naxal-free country.

“With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and joint efforts of security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today,” said Amit Shah.

The encounter took place after getting a tip-off about the presence of Maoists in the Kularighat reserve forest of Chhattisgarh. Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons, including guns, IEDs and rifles, from the site of the encounter.

Chalapati (60), a senior leader of the Central Committee, the organisation's main body, lived in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. He was noted for his activities in the Abujhmarh forest regions of Bastar. Chalapati moved to the Odisha border a few months ago as clashes escalated in the Abujmarh area. He was the brain in strategizing and directing operations for the Maoists. It is reported that there were up to ten personal guards in Chalapati's security team.