In a decisive operation against Maoist insurgents, security forces gunned down 14 Maoists, including five women and a top commander with a ₹1 crore bounty, in a forested region along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. This area has long been considered a rebel stronghold, but recent security incursions have dealt a significant blow to Maoist activities.
Among those killed was Jairam Reddy, alias Chalapati, a senior member of the Maoists’ central committee—their highest decision-making body. The identities of the remaining deceased insurgents are yet to be verified.
Government and Security Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation, stating, “Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces have achieved major success toward building a Naxal-free Bharat.” He credited the CRPF, Special Operations Group (SoG) Odisha, and Chhattisgarh police for the joint offensive, emphasizing that Naxalism is nearing its end.
With this latest encounter, at least 40 Maoists have been neutralized this year in Chhattisgarh, adding to the 219 insurgents eliminated since late 2023 when anti-Maoist operations intensified.
The operation: A Coordinated Attack
Security sources revealed that over 2,000 troops, including members of the CRPF’s elite CoBRA squad and state police, launched the offensive based on intelligence reports. The Maoists, estimated to number between 50 and 60, were reportedly planning a large-scale attack on security personnel in the area.
According to an official from the Union Home Ministry, this operation was in direct retaliation for the brutal massacre of eight Chhattisgarh police commandos and their driver earlier this month. UAV drones played a crucial role in tracking and locating the insurgents before security forces surrounded their hideout.
Intense Gun Battle and Aftermath
As security forces moved in, the Maoists opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours. By Monday morning, two women insurgents had been killed, with the remaining 12 gunned down during an extended firefight late Monday night into early Tuesday morning.
Authorities recovered a significant cache of firearms, ammunition, and IEDs from the encounter site. A self-loading rifle and other sophisticated weaponry were among the items seized, pointing to the Maoists’ continued access to arms despite security crackdowns.
Ongoing Operations and Future Strategy
A high-ranking CRPF official confirmed that a large-scale search operation is still underway. Given the intensity of the battle, security forces suspect additional Maoist casualties and are combing the region for any remaining insurgents.
The Chhattisgarh government remains resolute in its fight against Naxalism. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated the state’s commitment to eliminating the insurgency by 2026, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s national security vision. “This success of our soldiers is commendable. I salute their bravery,” Sai remarked.
A Defining Moment in the Fight Against Insurgency
The elimination of key Maoist leaders and operatives marks a significant milestone in India’s counterinsurgency efforts. With security forces ramping up their presence in rebel strongholds and intelligence-driven operations intensifying, the battle against Naxalism is reaching a decisive phase. However, the insurgency remains a complex challenge, and continued vigilance will be essential to ensuring lasting peace in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
