In a major success for security forces, a senior Maoist leader and skilled sniper, Sodhi Kanna, was killed during a fierce encounter in Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s Bijapur district on July 5.
Kanna, who carried a ₹8 lakh bounty and held top ranks in the PLGA battalion No. 1, was gunned down during a joint operation in the National Park area. The offensive involved the DRG, STF, CRPF&rsquo;s CoBRA units, and the Young Platoon, launched after intelligence hinted at a possible Maoist congregation.
The slain commander had played key roles in several insurgent attacks, including the Tekalgudiyam encounter and the Dharmaram camp assault. Known for his sniper skills and close ties with top leader Madvi Hidma, Kanna&rsquo;s death is considered a major blow to Maoist capabilities in the region.
Security forces recovered his body, a .303 rifle, and a large cache of arms and ammunition including codex wire, detonators, explosives, and Maoist communication devices.
Officials suspect the encounter disrupted a high-level Maoist meeting involving Telangana State Committee member Bandi Prakash and other key figures from the National Park Area Committee.
The anti-Maoist combing operation continues across the dense and rugged forest terrain.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Top Maoist Sniper Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter

Sodhi Kanna, a key Maoist sniper with ₹8 lakh bounty, gunned down in Bijapur joint operation.

Top Maoist Sniper Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter

Sodhi Kanna, a key Maoist sniper with ₹8 lakh bounty, gunned down in Bijapur joint operation.

July 7, 2025 | 15:42 IST