SAA event in Chhattisgarh, Tarrem region in Bijapur District area, India on Wed 8th February 2023

A villager, identified as Punem Lakhmu (48), was killed in a 'cross-firing' during an encounter between Security Forces (SFs) and cadres of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in Gundam-Chutwai forests of Tarrem region in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on February 8, reports The Times of India. Based on a specific input about the presence of Udham Singh, Maoist ÔcommanderÕ of south Bastar division and his aides, joint forces of Special Task Force (STF), Commando Battalion for resolute Action (CoBRA) unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and District Reserve Guards (DRG) were launched a search operation. The Maoists tried to ambush the SFs by firing upon them leading to an exchange of fire from both sides. Lakhmu, a resident of Gundem village was caught in a 'cross-firing' and sustained bullet injury on his back and died on the spot.