Maoists behead three villagers near Odisha border; seven others brutally assaulted

A horrific act of violence has been reported from the Maoist-affected Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh near Odisha border, where Maoists allegedly abducted and killed three villagers by beheading them. The brutal incident took place in Peda-Karem village under Gangalur police station limits.

According to police sources, the Maoists had abducted 10 individuals from the village, including two family members of surrendered Maoists and a student. While seven of them were released after being severely beaten, three were found murdered with their throats slit.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were killed on the suspicion of police informers. The deceased were allegedly targeted due to their association with former Maoists who had surrendered to the authorities, said sources.

Security forces have launched intensive search operations in the area to track down those responsible. Senior police officials have condemned the killings, terming them a desperate attempt by the Maoists to instill fear among villagers and retaliate against those cooperating with the police.

The incident has once again highlighted the volatile security situation in the tribal-dominated interiors of Bijapur, which remains a hotbed of Maoist activities.