In a brutal retaliation, Maoists have killed three villagers and abducted a dozen others in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, following recent security operations against the insurgent group.
The brutal attack comes as retaliation against recent security operations that have significantly weakened the insurgents.
According to sources, a Maoist group led by local commander Vella stormed Peddakorma village and targeted the relatives of surrendered Maoist leader Dinesh Modium. Jhingu Modium, Soma Modium, and Anil Madwi were strangled in full view of other villagers. Modium, formerly a high-ranking Maoist Divisional Committee Member, surrendered to authorities months ago.
Local police confirmed the incident and condemned the killings, calling them a cowardly attempt to instil fear. Human rights activist Bela Bhatia criticised the act, suggesting it reflects growing frustration among Maoists over the government’s unwillingness to negotiate peace.
Authorities have dispatched a team to investigate and recover the kidnapped villagers. With security forces tightening their grip on Bastar, Maoist influence is rapidly diminishing, signalling a potential turning point in the decades-long insurgency.
