Bastar/Raipur-  Controversy has erupted over the alleged encounter killing of Mahesh Kudiyam, a government cook in Bastar, who was labeled a Maoist by security forces. Social media and tribal activists have accused the police of staging a "fake encounter," claiming that Kudiyam was an innocent civilian with no links to insurgents.

Mahesh Kudiyam, a father of seven, worked as a cook in a government scheme, feeding school children. Villagers and family members insist he had no Maoist connections, citing his regular salary and role in the community. Tribal Army founder Hansraj Meena strongly condemned the killing, calling it a "brutal murder of an unarmed tribal by security forces in their obsession with statistics."

"This is not an encounter—it’s cold-blooded murder. If even a government employee can be falsely branded a Maoist and killed, no tribal is safe," Meena said, demanding a high-level probe and punishment for those responsible.

HM Shah Reaffirms Anti-Maoist Offensive

Amid the growing outcry, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Raipur at the foundation-laying ceremony of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), declared that security forces would intensify operations against Maoists—even during monsoon.

Shah on Sunday reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate Maoism by March 31 next year and announced that the rebels will not get a breather even during monsoon. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of National Forensic Science University (NFSU) and Central Forensic Science Laboratory's Raipur campus, HM Shah said, “Unlike pervious years, when the anti-Maoist operations used to get slowed down during monsoon, I want to assure the people that we will not let the rebels sleep even during rains.”

The Home Minister also hailed Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his deputy Vijay Sharma for sharpening the operations against Maoism in the state. “They have encouraged police forces, and I congratulate the two on behalf of the Central government,” he said. HM Shah also appealed to the Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream by availing the state government’s rehabilitation package. “I assure all those rebels who have surrendered that the Centre and State government will fulfil their commitment to them,” he said.

(With inputs from IANS)