Chhattisgarh: After back-to-back encounters, Maoists kill 2 teachers claiming they were informers

Bijapur, Chhattisgarh – July 16, 2025:
Violence has intensified in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-hit Bijapur district. Two government school teachers were killed by Maoists on Monday. The insurgents accused them of acting as police informers. This brutal act follows a series of recent encounters between Maoists and security forces in the region.

Victims Targeted and Identified

The victims were Anil Kumar (35) and Suresh Netam (38). Both taught at a government school in the Gangaloor area. Locals found their bodies near a forest trail close to Mirtur village. Each had suffered multiple bullet injuries.

Maoist posters left at the site claimed responsibility. These notes, signed by the Darbha Division of the CPI (Maoist), accused the teachers of passing intelligence to police. The posters also warned others of similar action if they aided security forces.

Recent Encounters Likely Sparked the Attack

Just days before this incident, security forces carried out two major operations. They killed at least 12 Maoists in combined actions across Bijapur and Dantewada. The recovery of weapons and documents in these raids suggested that local tips had helped the forces.

As a result, experts believe the recent killings are Maoist retaliation. The group often strikes back after suffering losses during police encounters.

Teachers Becoming Frequent Targets

Teachers, health workers, and rural officers are increasingly caught in the conflict. Many of them live and work in remote tribal villages. While delivering education and welfare, they also face constant suspicion from Maoist groups.

Both Kumar and Netam had served their community for nearly a decade. Local villagers described them as committed educators. “They taught our children with care and never got involved in politics,” one villager said. “Everyone trusted them.”

State Leaders Condemn the Killings

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the murders. He called them “barbaric acts by a group afraid of progress.” He also promised stronger action to dismantle Maoist threats. “Such violence will not stop our mission to bring peace and development,” he said on Tuesday.

Education officials echoed this sentiment. “Teachers are the soul of our society. Targeting them is a direct attack on learning and hope,” said a senior department official.

Security Forces Launch Manhunt

In response, the state deployed extra paramilitary troops to the area. CRPF’s elite CoBRA units began combing nearby forests. Officials confirmed that security patrols were increased to protect local workers.

Bijapur SP Anjaneya Varshney confirmed the launch of a major operation. “We’re committed to tracking down those responsible,” he said. He urged villagers to report suspicious activity and avoid falling for Maoist threats.

Pattern of Civilian Killings Emerges

This is not an isolated case. Maoists have repeatedly attacked civilians in recent months. Victims include road workers, panchayat members, and even health staff. Experts see a rising pattern of fear-based control over remote communities.

Security analysts say the group now targets suspected informers more aggressively. “They’re desperate to dismantle the intelligence networks helping police. These killings are part of that agenda,” said one official familiar with Bastar’s operations.

Need for Balanced Strategy

Activists have called for a dual approach. While supporting anti-Maoist operations, they also stress the need to protect local workers. “People like teachers and nurses risk their lives for basic services,” said Raipur-based activist Meena Barla. “Their safety must come first.”

She added that trust-building and dialogue are as vital as combat missions. Without that, fear will continue to dominate life in tribal regions.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning

The deaths of Anil Kumar and Suresh Netam highlight the deep-rooted challenges in Chhattisgarh’s conflict zones. These teachers represented more than classrooms — they were symbols of hope in a fragile society.

Now, their students are left with grief, and their villages face fresh waves of fear. Until a lasting solution emerges, such tragedies may continue to haunt Chhattisgarh’s path to peace.