Raipur, The Communist Party of India-Maoist has alleged that four villagers were killed by Indian forces in what it describes as a fake encounter in the conflict-ridden state of Chhattisgarh, India. This incident has sparked controversy and calls for an investigation into the actions of the security personnel involved.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the party issued a statement identifying the victims as Mandvi Mata, Kudiam Dinesh, Adupara Sodhi Kesu, and Madkam Raju, claiming they were innocent villagers mistakenly targeted as Naxalites in the encounter that took place in Bijapur district. The Communist Party of India-Maoist condemned the operation as “fake and fabricated,” implicating the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the alleged wrongdoing.

The statement further demanded a magisterial probe into the killings, insisting that those found guilty of this act should face punishment. It highlighted the broader context of tension between Indian forces and local forest dwellers and tribals, accusing the government of exploiting and displacing indigenous populations from their ancestral lands. Additionally, the party criticized the environmental impact of military operations in the region, including increased surveillance, the use of drones, and deforestation in the southern part of the Bastar region, which it says poses a significant threat to both wildlife and the forest ecosystem.

This incident underscores the ongoing conflict in Chhattisgarh, where clashes between Indian security forces and Maoist insurgents have frequently resulted in violence and civilian casualties. The demands for an impartial investigation into the killings reflect growing concerns over the conduct of security operations in areas grappling with insurgency and the protection of human rights for all citizens.