Bijapur Encounter: Security Forces Kill Two Maoists, Notorious DVCM Dilip Bedja Among Them

Raipur, January 17, 2026: A fierce encounter broke out on Saturday morning between security forces and Maoists in the forests and hilly areas of northwest Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. A joint operation by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Cobra, and Special Task Force (STF) has so far resulted in the deaths of two male Maoist cadres. Preliminary reports indicate that one of the deceased is the notorious DVCM (District/Area Committee Member) Dilip Bedja of the National Park Area Committee.

During the encounter, security personnel recovered weapons, including AK-47 rifles, from the site. The operation was launched based on intelligence about the presence of armed Maoists in the region and is ongoing.

Joint Operation by Security Agencies
Superintendent of Police, Bijapur, Dr. Jitendra Yadav, stated that the operation was initiated after receiving information about the presence of DVCM Dilip Bedja and other armed Maoists in the forests and hilly terrains of northwest Bijapur. “The DRG, Cobra, and STF teams conducted a targeted search operation under challenging geographical conditions, demonstrating exceptional courage and commitment,” he said.

Firing Still Ongoing
Firing between the joint security team and the Maoists has been intermittent since the morning of January 17. So far, two bodies of male Maoist cadres have been recovered from the encounter site, along with automatic weapons including AK-47 rifles. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Shri Sundarraj Pattilingam, confirmed that despite difficult conditions, the operation against the armed Maoist cadres continues decisively.

Identity of Second Cadre Pending
Preliminary reports suggest that one of the deceased is Dilip Bedja. The identity of the second Maoist cadre is yet to be confirmed. The police have stated that a detailed report will be released after the completion of the operation.