Maoists kill Congress worker in Bastar, three other villagers reported murdered on same night

RAIPUR: Maoists in insurgency-hit Bijapur district have reportedly killed at least four villagers on Sunday, though police officials have confirmed about one person having association with Congress party, murdered by the Naxals.

According to police officials, victim Naga Bhandari, head of the Marudbaka Society was hacked to death with an axe when he had gone to Lingapur to attend a social event.

“The incident took place at around 11:30 PM on Sunday when he was brutally killed with an axe by unidentified Maoists, as reported to the local police station. Upon receiving the information, Usoor police conducted a spot inspection and completed the inquest proceedings,” said police.

The body was respectfully handed over to the family. Remaining legal formalities are being handled by Usoor police.

A police statement said that there were reports that Maoists have killed some locals in Kanchal and Meenagatta villages in Pamed region. The authenticity of this information is currently being verified, police said.

Sources told TOI that three other civilians including a Shikshadoot- a local education volunteer from Meenagatta, a government cook from Kanchal, and another local resident were targeted for suspected cooperation with administration and development.

Expressing sorrow over the murder of a party worker, former chief minister and Congress leader Bhupesgh Baghel said, "I pray for the departed soul and strength for his family. Naga’s elder brother Tirupati was also killed by Maoists in a similar manner on October 24, 2025."

He added that on one side there are claims being made during 'Sushasan Tihar' on Maoist elimination and on the other side, innocent tribals are getting killed by the Maoists. The govt has failed to ensure safety of the tribal people, Baghel said.

The coordinated killings come amid the ongoing Karregutta anti-Maoist operation, intensifying the atmosphere of fear across the district. Local sources indicate that the victims may have been targeted for their affiliation with government welfare initiatives or political parties.

Authorities are currently verifying details of these incidents Bijapur police and security forces have launched extensive search operations in the affected areas.