Tribal Villager to Receive Rs 86 Lakh Reward for Tip-Off Leading to Death of 12 Maoists
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th July 2024
In a remarkable turn of events, a tribal villager whose crucial tip-off led to the elimination of 12 wanted Maoists in Gadchiroli will receive the full bounty of Rs 86 lakh. This generous reward comes in recognition of the villager’s bravery and invaluable assistance in one of the most audacious operations against the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border.
The daring operation, conducted in the dense forests of Wandoli, was a significant achievement for the security forces. The tip provided by the villager proved instrumental in the successful execution of this high-risk mission. The Maharashtra police have confirmed that the reward amount will be awarded in full to the informant, who will remain anonymous for security reasons. The police are in the process of arranging the disbursement of the substantial cash reward.
Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced a reward of Rs 51 lakh for the commandos who executed the operation with exceptional skill and bravery. According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sandip Patil, who oversees the state’s anti-Naxal operations, this particular mission was challenging due to the difficult terrain and the elusive nature of the Maoist leadership. Despite previous efforts, this was the first time that such a decisive blow was dealt to the Maoist forces in a single operation.
IGP Patil, known for orchestrating several successful anti-Maoist operations since 2014, has been credited with significant progress in combating Maoist insurgency. His strategic acumen has led to the neutralization of 109 Maoists to date. The successful execution of this latest operation is a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by the commandos involved.
The 12 Maoists killed in the Wandoli gunfight included three key divisional committee members: Yogesh Tulavi, Laxman Atram (also known as Vishal), and Pramod Kachlami. The operation’s success is highlighted by the fact that it resulted in the elimination of two Maoist formations within a span of just six hours. This achievement marks a notable moment in the ongoing battle against Maoist insurgents in the region.
Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal also lauded the operation, stating that it was unprecedented in its scope and effectiveness. The elimination of two Maoist formations in such a brief period underscores the significant progress made by the security forces in their fight against the insurgency.
The substantial reward for the tribal villager reflects the high value placed on such critical intelligence and the importance of collaboration between local informants and security forces. This operation not only highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in combating Maoist activities but also reinforces the role of local communities in supporting national security initiatives.
In conclusion, the successful neutralization of 12 Maoists in Gadchiroli and the generous reward for the tribal informant underscore the importance of vigilant and courageous contributions from all sectors in maintaining security and peace in conflict-affected areas. The operation represents a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to address and eradicate Maoist insurgency in the region.
