Chhattisgarh Villagers Fear Security Forces After Maoist Retreat

In the tranquil village of Rekhapalli, nestled within the lush forests of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, a chilling event has intensified the villagers’ fears of security forces. Bhima Madvi, a 46-year-old villager, was last seen being taken away by security personnel on December 4. Just three days later, his cousin, Sukram Madvi, discovered Bhima lifeless in a security camp in Wattewagu. Official reports suggest he died by suicide, but his family firmly believes he was killed by the very forces supposed to protect them.

The changing dynamics in Bijapur are palpable. Previously dominated by the Communist Party of India (Maoist), villages like Rekhapalli have witnessed a significant shift since 2024. The state has heavily reinforced its presence, setting up security camps manned by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Out of the 52 new camps established in the Bastar region, 22 are located in Bijapur, with seven in the Usur block alone.

Rekhapalli, once heavily influenced by Maoist ideology, now finds itself flanked by security camps. While these developments have pushed many Maoists to retreat, making it safer for some villagers, they have also created an atmosphere of uncertainty. Villagers often remark that they now live under a different kind of command, one that brings a new set of challenges.

A Grieving Family’s Perspective

A week after Bhima’s death, I traveled to Rekhapalli to better understand the situation. The village, with its 105 houses scattered across three hamlets, had an air of quiet despair. Bhima lived with his mother, wife, and four children in a small two-room home. On the day he was taken, security forces reportedly stormed into his house, creating chaos and demanding to know Bhima’s whereabouts.

Dewe Madvi, Bhima’s 75-year-old mother, recounted how the security personnel ransacked their belongings, searching for evidence. Neighbors like Mangu Madkam also faced harassment, receiving beatings for refusing to cooperate. Mangu recalled how the security forces pulled Bhima away during his family gathering, an act forever etched in the minds of those who witnessed it.

Bhima’s wife, Pande Madvi, remains heartbroken. Despite repeated attempts to contact the security officer who took her husband, all calls were left unanswered. She has now sought justice, urging for a judicial probe into her husband’s mysterious death.

The Surrender of Villagers

Interestingly, the climate has prompted some villagers to surrender to the police. Just three months before Bhima’s death, seven residents from Rekhapalli admitted to being part of a village committee that had supported Maoists. They hoped that by surrendering, they could protect their community members from the wrath of security forces conducting regular raids.

These individuals were not armed cadres, as they clarified, but rather, they facilitated the needs of armed militants during their occasional visits, always under the guidance of the Maoist leaders. But without the presence of armed Maoists, their roles have become obsolete.

Unga Sodi, the village head, stated that this decision to surrender was a collective effort aimed at protecting their families from harassment. Many villagers worry about the continuing scrutiny they face from security forces, even after their surrender.

Fear and Harassment

Yet, the lingering presence of security forces has created an atmosphere of fear. In a nearby village, Komatpalli, residents shared chilling anecdotes of beatings during security patrols. Such incidents escalate tensions and have made it difficult for villagers to conduct their daily agricultural work without the looming threat of violence.

The villagers often joke darkly about their treatment — “They beat us up first, then take us to the hospital for treatment.” This chilling sentiment underscores the fragile balance between security and individual safety that many Chhattisgarh residents navigate daily.

The Path Ahead

As the villagers of Rekhapalli grapple with their new reality, the question of safety looms heavily. Many families are burdened as community members face long legal battles for Maoist-related charges. Without adequate financial resources, families struggle to cope.

Bhima’s family now lives in fear. His three daughters have remained in the village, while his son, who recently learned of his father’s demise, is in a residential school. Sukram, Bhima’s cousin, hopes to salvage the children’s futures despite the circumstances. “I wish he can continue his studies,” he reflects, a sentiment echoed by many coping with loss in Rekhapalli.

In the midst of these uncertainties, the residents of Bijapur may find themselves caught in a complex web of shifting allegiances, where fear of both the Maoists and security forces shapes their everyday lives. The repercussions of these clashes have transformed their village and sparked a lingering anxiety about an uncertain future.

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