Senior Maoist leader Rangaboina Bhagya neutralised in Chhattisgarh encounter
HYDERABAD: Security forces allegedly killed senior Maoist leader Rangaboina Bhagya alias Rupi, who carried a reward of ₹25 lakh, in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, police said on Monday.
The exchange of fire broke out in the early hours during a combing operation in the Machupalli–Ramjhora–Hindur forest area under Chhote Baitiya police station limits. According to police, a group of more than 12 Maoists first opened fire, prompting forces to retaliate in self-defence.
Notably, the Telangana government had recently listed Rupi among the most active Maoists. Earlier, Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy had also appealed to her to surrender.
Native of Siddipet, linked to slain Maoist leader
Rupi hailed from Dharmaram village in Siddipet district of Telangana. She was also the wife of Maoist leader Vijay Reddy, who security forces killed in an encounter last year.
Meanwhile, the incident comes just 12 days after the Chhattisgarh government declared the state free of armed Maoists on March 31.
Search operations intensified after Maoists escape
However, sources said at least 11 Maoists managed to escape into nearby forest areas following the encounter. Subsequently, authorities deployed additional forces and intensified search operations.
During the operation, security personnel recovered automatic weapons and Maoist literature from the site.
Bastar Range Inspector General Sunderraj P. urged the remaining Maoists to surrender. He said the Maoist strength had already reduced to single digits in some districts. “Therefore, the remaining cadres should surrender and start a peaceful life,” he added, warning that their time in the forests was “very short.”
