Kumar Bahukhandi
CPI-Maoist leader Rangaboina Bhagya alias Rupi (46) was killed in an encounter in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh during a combing operation—Filer Photo ( Arrangements )
Rupi, a native of Dharmaram in Siddipet district of Telangana, was the wife of Maoist leader Vijay Reddy, who was killed in an encounter last year: Reports
Kanker ( Chhattisgarh ) : Senior Maoist leader Rangaboina Bhagya alias Rupi, carrying a reward of ₹25 lakh, was allegedly killed in an encounter with security forces in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh during a combing operation, police said on Monday April 13, 2026 Rupi was named in the list of most active Maoists released by the Telangana government recently, and Director-General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy had called for her to surrender.
Rupi, a native of Dharmaram in Siddipet district of Telangana, was the wife of Maoist leader Vijay Reddy, who was killed in an encounter last year. The encounter came 12 days after the Chhattisgarh government had declared the state free of armed Maoists on March 31.
According to police, the exchange of fire took place in the early hours in Machupalli-Ramjhora- Hindur forest under the Chhote Baitiya police station limits following specific intelligence inputs about Maoist presence in the area. Security forces opened fire in self-defence during a fierce gunfight with a group of more than 12 Maoists, in which Rupi was killed.
Sources said at least 11 Maoists managed to escape into the Machpally forest and the surrounding areas. Additional forces were deployed, and search operations intensified in the region. Security personnel seized automatic weapons and Maoist literature from the encounter site.
Bastar Range inspector-general Sunderraj P. said Maoists should surrender, warning that their time in the forests was “very short”.
IG Sunderraj has reiterated his appeal to the remaining Maoist cadres to lay down arms and join the mainstream of development. “The Maoist strength has reduced to single digit in number in some districts and hence, the remaining cadres should surrender and start a peaceful life”, he said.
