Bhubaneswar: A tragic incident unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district as a local worker of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Tirupati Katla, was brutally killed by suspected Naxalites on Friday evening. Katla, a member of the Janpad Panchayat, fell victim to the attack while attending a wedding in Toynar village, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The assailants struck as Katla departed from the wedding venue, wielding sharp-edged weapons against him. Despite swift efforts to provide medical aid, Katla succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the Bijapur district hospital.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Yadav, confirmed that investigations into the incident are currently underway, shedding light on the grim reality of violence in Maoist-affected regions of the state.
This tragic event marks the seventh instance of a BJP leader or member being targeted by suspected Naxalites within the past year in Maoist-infested areas of Chhattisgarh. The relentless series of attacks underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist elements in the region, posing challenges to the security apparatus and highlighting the need for enhanced measures to safeguard the lives of political representatives and civilians alike.
The incident has prompted widespread condemnation, with political leaders and authorities expressing solidarity with the bereaved family and emphasizing the imperative of collective efforts to combat insurgency and restore peace in the affected regions.