Telangana: Invisible killer is chasing Maoists, many top guns fall on Covid-19. Hyderabad News – Times of India

Hyderabad: Firing and clashes with security forces in dense forests are not the main source of concern for the Maoists at present. This is the dreaded corona virus that hangs on the head like the sword of Damocles in the red corridor that surrounds Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradeshhandjob Maharashtra and Orissa.
Although vector-borne chikungunya, dengue and malaria had claimed many lives of left-wing extremists operating from the jungles, the deadly impact of Covid-19 on top Maoist guns and cadres in the second wave was profound and stark. source in particular intelligence branchAnti-Naxal intel wing said there are many Maoist leaders

Many people left the cadre for fear of contracting the virus.
Police say the confirmation by the Maoist party of the recent deaths of Telangana State Committee secretary Yapa Narayan alias Haribhushan and party leader Siddaboina Sarakka alias Bharathakka is just the tip of the iceberg. Bhadradri Kothagudem district SP Sunil Dutt told TOI, “At least eight Maoist leaders and activists have been killed by Covid-19 in the second wave,” he said.
Police said around 15-20 others have severe Covid-19 infection, while some Maoists left the cadre fearing contracting the virus.

A senior official of anti-Naxal intelligence told TOI, “The couriers or militia members may have met the Maoists in the jungles, due to which the virus has spread.”
Lack of access to medical treatment, consumption of expired food, snake bites and frequent exposure to the vagaries of nature also worsen the health of Maoists.