3 days before polls, 29 Maoists killed in Bastar encounter
What's the story
A major encounter broke out between Maoists and security forces in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district in the Bastar region, in which 29 Maoists were killed and three security personnel were injured.
This comes days ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in Bastar on April 19.
More than 60,000 security personnel are deployed in the district, Bastar's Inspector General Sundarraj P said.
Three security personnel who suffered injuries are said to be out of danger.
Leader's profile
Maoist leader Shankar Rao among the deceased
Shankar Rao, a high-ranking Maoist leader who was wanted for a reward of ₹25 lakh, was among those killed in the clash, senior police officer Kalyan Elesela said.
The recent clash follows a series of similar incidents in the district.
Last month, a Maoist and a police officer were killed during an operation where security forces seized a firearm, explosives, and other evidence.
The district also witnessed armed conflicts between security forces and Maoists during an Assembly election last November.
Reward scheme
Chhattisgarh Police offer cash incentives for information on Maoists
Notably, Chhattisgarh Police have introduced a cash incentive scheme for information on Maoists and their operations.
Kabirdham Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallav announced that informants would be rewarded with ₹5 lakh by the government.
He further stated that if one Maoist is arrested or killed, up to five people will be offered jobs as constables.
Anti-Naxal measures
Police efforts to eradicate Naxalism in Kawardha
In a bid to eradicate Naxalism, district police officials have been making house calls in Kawardha, a small town in Chhattisgarh.
Over the past three months, six police camps have been established in many Naxal-impacted regions.
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallav said they aim to eradicate Maoism from the Kawardha area within the next six months with the assistance of local villagers.
The police are also operating schools and organizing sports activities for youth in sensitive areas.