Rights groups allege custodial killings after seven Maoist leaders killed in C'garh 'encounter'
Bijapur: Seven senior Maoist leaders were killed over three days in what the police claim were encounters with security forces in the Indravati National Park between June 5 and 7. However, civil rights groups have alleged that the deaths were the result of custodial torture and fake encounters following the illegal detention of 10 Maoists from Parshagarh village.
According to the Civil Liberties Committee (CLC) of Telangana, the police picked up 10 Maoists from the national park and killed seven of them after subjecting them to brutal torture. The CLC alleged that one Maoist was killed on June 5, four on June 6, and two on June 7. The remaining three are reportedly still in police custody.
Police have so far confirmed the deaths of only two individuals: Tentu Laxmi Narasimha Chalam alias Sudhakar, a CPI (Maoist) central committee member, and Mylarapu Adelu alias Bhaskar, a Telangana state committee member. Rights groups have named the others allegedly killed, including Telangana committee member Bandi Prakash and Dandakaranya zonal committee member Papa Rao.
The police version differs significantly. Bijapur SP Jitendra Kumar claimed the operation was based on specific intelligence about Maoist leaders gathered in the forest. He stated that Sudhakar was killed in an exchange of fire on June 5 and that an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene. Additional fatalities reportedly occurred on June 6 and 7. The SP denied the allegations made by rights organisations, calling them "false propaganda."
Civil rights activists raised questions about the absence of other bodies near Sudhakar’s, despite him being a top leader usually accompanied by armed guards. They also pointed out he was found in civilian clothes, not the usual military fatigues. They urged the National Human Rights Commission and the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the alleged extrajudicial killings.
The Coordination Committee for Peace, which includes noted mediator G. Haragopal, described the incident as a “constitutional crisis” and called for urgent court intervention to prevent further erosion of democratic values. Haragopal had previously mediated with Maoists in high-profile hostage situations.
Bhaskar, who was also killed, was a registered medical practitioner before joining the Maoist movement in 1995. Both he and Sudhakar had long underground histories in the party.
The Committee for Release of Political Prisoners and the Indian Association of People’s Lawyers have demanded a second post-mortem of the bodies, alleging that the two were killed in cold blood.
The Civil Liberties Committee claims that over 550 Maoists have been killed since January 2024 as part of the Union government’s ‘Operation Kagar’, which they argue is being used to suppress tribal resistance and hand over mineral-rich lands to corporations.
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Indian Defence forces committed to adapting to changing environment: CDS General Chauhan
Hyderabad (PTI): Asserting that war and warfare is at the cusp of a major revolution, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said the Indian Defence forces are committed to adapting to changing environment and imbibing reforms to remain ready and relevant.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of 216 Course held at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here, General Chauhan said India's strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability, and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces.
He said the intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindoor continues.
"You (new officers) also join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal has firmly taken shape. An era defined by a high degree of operational preparedness, 24-7, 365 days. The intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindhur continues," he said.
He further said the newly trained officers are entering the Indian Air Force during a phase of deep transformation of the Indian Armed Forces.
Integrated structures, joint operations, and national pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence are shaping the future of India's military strength, he said.
"Your journey ahead will be accordingly guided by Jai, the first word of Jai Hind, that's victory. 'J' stands for jointness, fighting as one nation, one force. 'A' stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat, trusted platforms and systems made not just for India but for the world. And finally, 'I' for innovation, daring to think ahead and to be ahead of the curve," he explained.
General Chauhan further said battles in the older domains will always remain contested, often brutal. But in the new domains, they will be smart, swift, and shaped by intellect, innovation, and initiative. The force that masters new frontiers is more likely to prevail in future conflicts.
