Major Surge in Anti-Naxal Operations: Over 300 Maoists Killed in 2025

In a historic surge of anti-Naxal operations, Indian security forces have reported nearly 300 Maoist casualties in just the first 150 days of 2025. This unprecedented figure highlights the intensified efforts against Maoist insurgency, particularly following a significant encounter in Chhattisgarh where over 27 Maoists, including a top commander, were killed. The operation not only underscores the growing effectiveness of security forces but also raises questions about the future of Maoist activities in the region. With substantial bounties on the heads of these insurgents, the implications of these operations could reshape the landscape of security in India. Read on for a detailed analysis of the events and their impact.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2025, 12:19 IST

Significant Increase in Anti-Naxal Campaigns

In a remarkable escalation of anti-Naxal operations, Indian security forces have reported nearly 300 Maoist casualties within the first 150 days of 2025. This figure marks the highest annual toll since 2009 and reflects the swiftest pace of Maoist eradication since the peak of insurgency.

Major Encounter in Chhattisgarh

In one of the largest anti-Naxal offensives in recent years, security forces eliminated over 27 Maoists in the forests near the Narayanpur-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. Among those killed was Basavaraju, also known as Nambala Keshav Rao, the current General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist), who had a bounty of ₹1 crore on his head and was one of India's most wanted insurgents.

Bounties on the Eliminated Maoists

Rewards totaling ₹3.33 crore for 27 Maoists

All 27 Maoists killed in the encounter have been identified as notorious figures in the state, with a cumulative bounty of ₹3.33 crore. Senior officials confirmed this information on Thursday. The encounter occurred during a significant operation against Maoists in the Abujhmad forests along the Bijapur-Narayanpur district border.

Female Maoists Among the Casualties

12 female Maoists were also killed

The operation resulted in the deaths of 12 female Maoists. During the encounter, two personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of the state police also lost their lives. Inspector General of Police, Sundar Raj, reported that one of the deceased was identified as Basavaraju, who had a ₹1 crore bounty, while the identities of others were confirmed the following day.

Maoist Leadership Targeted

Members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee among the dead

Intelligence indicated that members of the Maoist Central Committee, including senior cadres from the Mard Division and the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), were present in the area. The encounter followed a three-day search operation. Sundar Raj noted that one of the deceased, Jangu Naveen, was a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee with a ₹25 lakh bounty.

Weapons and Equipment Seized

From the encounter site, security forces recovered an array of weapons including three AK-47 rifles, four Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), six INSAS rifles, one carbine, six .303 rifles, one Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL), two rocket launchers, two 12-bore guns, one country-made pistol, two muzzle-loading guns, and a significant quantity of explosives.

The Central Ministry of Home Affairs had announced a ₹1 crore reward for Basavaraju, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) offered ₹50 lakh, and the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha each declared ₹25 lakh.

Basavaraju's Criminal History

It is estimated that the total bounty on Basavaraju across all left-wing extremism-affected states in the country could reach ₹10 crore. Detailed information is being gathered regarding his activities. Basavaraju, who became involved in illegal movements in the 1970s, hails from the Jianapeta village in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, and holds a B.Tech degree from an engineering college in Warangal.

Leadership Role in Maoist Activities

He assumed the role of General Secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist) in 2018, succeeding Muppala Lakshman Rao, also known as Ganapati, who resigned due to health issues. The Inspector General stated that Basavaraju was a founding member of the Maoist Central Committee and held significant positions within the organization, including leading the Central Military Commission.

Involvement in Major Attacks

Basavaraju specialized in military training, particularly in the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and explosives, and was involved in attacks on security forces and police stations. He participated in the 2004 Koraput (Odisha) arms heist, which resulted in three fatalities and the theft of advanced weaponry valued at approximately ₹50 crore.

Sundar Raj also mentioned that Basavaraju was implicated in the 2005 Jehanabad jail break in Bihar, where 389 prisoners escaped, including Maoists and notorious criminals.

Impact of Basavaraju's Death

He was also involved in the 2010 Dantewada massacre, which claimed the lives of 76 CRPF personnel. Furthermore, he faces allegations related to the 2013 Jhiram Ghati attack in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, which resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, including senior Congress leaders, and the murder of a legislator in Andhra Pradesh in 2018. The Inspector General emphasized that the elimination of Basavaraju dealt a significant blow to the Maoist movement.