Category: Exclusive

In what is shaping up to be one of the largest anti-Maoist operations in recent memory, security forces have launched a high-stakes offensive in the Karregatta hills of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, near the Telangana border. The multi-agency effort has so far resulted in the deaths of three Maoists, with the bodies recovered amid ongoing exchanges of gunfire. Major Maoist Leaders Surrounded Sources confirm that nearly 150 Maoist insurgents have been encircled, including top commanders such as: All three carry bounties of ₹1 crore each on their heads. Intelligence inputs suggest their potential neutralisation would deal a critical blow to the insurgency in Bastar and its adjoining border regions. Operation Led by India’s Elite Forces This joint operation—ongoing since Monday—includes: The combined might of these forces has led to the recovery of over 100 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and bomb disposal teams are currently clearing landmines to secure the terrain. High-Risk Terrain, Heightened Threat The Karregatta hills have long served as a Maoist safe haven, with dense forests and steep terrain providing natural cover for militant camps. However, recent pamphlets circulated by Maoist leaders warning villagers to avoid the region hinted at the insurgents’ preparation for a confrontation—a warning that is now playing out in real-time. Despite the IED threats and warnings, security forces have launched a decisive push into the Maoist heartland, determined to dismantle their operations. Part of a Larger Strategic Offensive This operation follows a pattern of intensified counterinsurgency efforts seen earlier in Sukma and Dantewada, where security forces successfully eliminated senior Maoist commanders and destroyed camps. What’s Next? The operation remains active and fluid, with additional casualties possible as forces close in. Officials believe that a major insurgent leadership shake-up could occur if Hidma and other high-value targets are captured or neutralised.

The Local Fund Audit Department has raised serious concerns over delays in the transfer of National Pension Scheme (NPS) contributions for employees of the Kochi Municipal Corporation in its audit report for the year 2023–24. The report points out that the civic body deposited ₹2.11 crore as its share and dues from regular staff and ₹3.81 crore from contingent staff in the account of the Director of Urban Affairs during the fiscal year. However, the audit observed that these transfers were not made in a timely manner as mandated. According to a 2014 circular, both the employee’s deducted contribution and the employer’s matching share must be transferred to a special pension account the day after the deduction is made. Details of the beneficiaries along with the transaction ID must then be forwarded to the NPS account. The audit report notes that Kochi Corporation has not adhered to this requirement and has sought an explanation for the delay. In response, the corporation stated that more than 700 of its employees are enrolled in the NPS. It explained that while regular staff salaries are processed using SPARK software, the transfer of pension-related data to the NPS database requires processing through Sthapana software. Only after generating a supplementary salary bill can data be transferred to the Sthapana system. The corporation added that this technical requirement causes delays, and data is usually ported only at the end of each month. The civic body also cited occasional shortages in its own funds as another reason for delays in transferring the NPS shares. The audit wing has directed the corporation to urgently resolve these technical and procedural issues. It warned that the ongoing delays are resulting in financial losses to employees. The audit department emphasized that the NPS contributions of all eligible staff should be transferred promptly to the designated account maintained by the Director of Urban Affairs to ensure compliance and protect employee interests.