Martyred soldiers were bid farewell with guard of honor at Shahid Wateeka Complex

Bijapur, 4 December
Three brave soldiers of the Bijapur District DRG (Delhi Reserve Guard) were martyred in an encounter with Naxalites in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh on 3 December. The martyred soldiers include Head Constable Mono alias Mohan Badi, Constable Dikaru Gonde, and Constable Ramesh Sodi. Displaying unparalleled bravery, the three soldiers gunned down over a dozen Naxalites in the encounter until their last breath. The three martyred soldiers of the Bijapur DRG were given a guard of honor at the Shaheed Vatika Complex in the police lines on the Bijapur-Gangalur road on Thursday. A large number of officers and civilians bid them a tearful farewell at the ceremony. The wreath-laying ceremony was attended by Bastar Range IG Sunderraj P, Bijapur Collector, SP Jitendra Yadu, CRPF's DIG BS Negi, DIG Kamlochan Kashyap, and a large number of public representatives and locals. The family members of the martyred soldiers were also present at the ceremony, where they unanimously paid tribute to their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.

According to reports, the operation resulted in the killing of Vela Modiyam alias Mangu Modiyam, a notorious commander of the Naxalite Gangalur Area Committee, who had a reward of Rs 8 lakh (approximately $1.8 million) on his head. Vela was the mastermind behind several major incidents, including the murder of a minor, a student, and a villager in Pedakurma. He was the commander of the organization's intelligence wing and had also led the CYPC and IC Company No. 2. The security forces have cordoned off a large area in the Gangalur forests, and a thorough search is underway. So far, the bodies of 15 Naxal cadres have been officially recovered, and the number is likely to increase. SLRs, INSAS, and 303 rifles, and ammunition have been recovered from the site. According to Police Superintendent Jitendra Yadu, a search operation is ongoing in the area, and additional forces have been sent to the site. Two DRG personnel were injured in the encounter, and their condition is now out of danger.