Andhra Pradesh Maoist Leader Devji Believed Killed in Forest Encounter

Image Source: Internet

A top Maoist leader, Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji, is believed to have been killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Andhra Pradesh's Maredumilli forests. Devji, a member of the Maoist central committee and general secretary, was one of the most wanted insurgent leaders in India. The encounter took place on Wednesday, a day after the killing of six Maoists, including a commander, in the same area. Devji's killing is seen as a major blow to the Left Wing insurgency, which has been active in several states, including Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Telangana. According to officials, Devji was involved in a combing operation with security forces, which led to an exchange of fire. The officials are yet to confirm the details of the encounter, but sources suggest that Devji was among the seven Maoists killed in the operation. The Maoist insurgency has been a major concern for the Indian government, which has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to end the conflict. The government has also intensified surveillance along inter-state borders and arrested several Maoist leaders and sympathizers. In the past year, security forces have killed at least 270 Maoists, while 1,225 have surrendered and 680, including top leaders, have been arrested. The number of Left-Wing insurgency-hit districts has fallen to 11 from 18 in April. Devji's killing is seen as a significant victory for the security forces, who have been working to disrupt the Maoist network. The government has urged the remaining Maoists to surrender and has promised to provide rehabilitation and support to those who lay down their arms.