Selfie With Wife: The Clue That Ended Chalapathi's Reign
A joint operation by security forces at the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border has led to the death of Chalapathi, a top leader in the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Once elusive, his identity and location were revealed by an unexpected source—a selfie with his wife, Aruna.
Who Was Chalapathi?
Chalapathi, born Ramachandra Reddy, hailed from Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, where Maoist activities have since diminished. Despite lacking formal education, he was a voracious reader and multilingual, fluent in Telugu, Hindi, English, and Odia. His expertise in guerrilla warfare and military tactics propelled him to the top ranks of the Maoist organization.
He joined the banned People’s War Group (PWG) early in life, which later merged with other groups in 2004 to form the CPI(Maoist). Chalapathi played a key role in expanding Maoist operations in Odisha, particularly in Kandhamal and Kalahandi districts. His leadership was instrumental in planning and executing several high-profile attacks.
Notable Incidents Led by Chalapathi
2008 Nayagarh Attack: Chalapathi executed a deadly attack in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, where 13 security personnel lost their lives. He blocked roads with felled trees, ensuring the Maoists’ escape after looting a police armory.
2011 Kandhamal Raid Attempt: He led another planned raid on a police armory in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, which was thwarted by the police.
Life in the Forests
Due to his advanced age and health issues, including knee problems, Chalapathi relocated to Darbha in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district in recent years. During his time in the forests, he married Aruna, a deputy commander in the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC).
How a Selfie Changed Everything
In May 2016, during a gunfight in Andhra Pradesh, security forces recovered an abandoned smartphone. Among its contents was a selfie of Chalapathi and Aruna. This photo provided the first concrete lead on Chalapathi’s identity and movements.
The revelation significantly hampered his mobility. Security forces placed a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head, prompting him to travel with heavy protection, accompanied by a dozen armed cadres.
The Final Encounter
Chalapathi’s years of evasion came to an end during a recent joint operation by security forces. The operation began on Monday morning near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, where two Maoists were killed. The firefight intensified late that night, continuing into the early hours of Tuesday, ultimately resulting in the deaths of Chalapathi and 12 other Maoists.
Conclusion
The death of Chalapathi marks a significant blow to Maoist operations in the region. His story underscores how advancements in technology and intelligence gathering are aiding security forces in tackling insurgency. The once-dreaded leader, known for his tactical brilliance, was ultimately undone by a simple selfie.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
