Renuka, also known as Banu, Chaitey, and Saraswati, a prominent member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, an entity of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), was killed in an encounter on Monday in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
Her body was recovered in the morning but was later identified by security forces.
Renuka, a resident of Kadvendi in the Warangal district and the press team in charge of the Dandakaranya Special Zone, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh on her head.
Security forces recovered an INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle, ammunition, and other weapons from the encounter site.
The operation was started on Monday by a team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in the areas under Geedam police station in Dantewada district and Bhairamgarh police station in Bijapur of Chhattisgarh. The operation extended to border villages such as Nelgoda, Akeli, and Belnar.
According to police officials, firing between Maoists and security forces began at 9 a.m. and was continuing at the time of filing of this report.
During the operation, the body of a female Maoist, along with weapons, ammunition, and daily-use items, was recovered in the morning. Later, she was identified as Renuka. The encounter and search operations in the area are going on.
In two separate encounters on Saturday, at least 18 suspected Maoists were killed, and four security personnel sustained injuries in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts. According to the Inspector General (IG), three injured personnel were from DRG Sukma, and one was from the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). All injured personnel are reported to be in stable condition.
In Bijapur, a Maoist was killed during an encounter in the Narsapur jungles on Saturday evening. Security forces recovered the body and weapons, though the identity of the deceased Maoist is yet to be confirmed. In Sukma, an encounter occurred on Saturday morning following intelligence reports of Maoist presence in the Gogunda, Nendum, and Upampalli areas under the Kerlapal police station. A joint team of DRG Sukma and CRPF was dispatched on Friday for an anti-Maoist operation, which culminated in the Saturday morning exchange of fire.
Officials reported that since January, a total of 119 bodies of Maosits have been recovered in various encounters across the Bastar Range, the officials said.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.