Bijapur, Chhattisgarh: In a significant breakthrough against left-wing extremism, senior Maoist leader Sodhi Kanna, who carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, was killed in an encounter with security forces on Monday in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. Kanna, who served as the Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1 and 2, was gunned down in the Indravati National Park area.
Kanna was a trained sniper and a close aide of top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma. From his body, a significant cache of explosives was recovered, including a .303 rifle, codex wires, safety fuses, and detonators. Additionally, the encounter site yielded a collection of Maoist uniforms, literature, a radio, and various daily-use items.
The joint operation, which commenced on July 4, involved multiple security units, including the District Reserve Guards (DRG) from Bijapur and Dantewada, the Special Task Force (STF), Cobra Battalions 202 and 210, and the Young Platoon of the CRPF.
“Over the last 18 months (2024–25), security forces have neutralized 415 hardcore Maoists across Bastar. Despite the rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions, operations continue with high intensity even during the monsoon. Forces like DRG, STF, Cobra, and CRPF are maintaining strong momentum,” stated Sundarraj P, Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range.
Intelligence reports had confirmed the area as a stronghold for armed Maoist groups, including the Telangana State Committee, the National Park Area Committee, and PLGA’s Battalion No. 1. Security forces engaged in intermittent firing with Maoist cadres for days before recovering Kanna’s body and weapons.
