Security Forces Eliminate Three Maoists in Sukma District Encounter
Encounter in Sukma District
On Thursday, security forces in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, successfully neutralized three Maoists, including a woman with a bounty of ₹12 lakh. Police officials confirmed the incident, stating that the encounter occurred on December 18, when security personnel engaged with the Maoists.
The operation was initiated by the Sukma District Reserve Guard (DRG) following credible intelligence regarding Maoist activity in the hilly terrain near the Golapalli police station. According to Sukma's Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chavhan, the DRG team commenced a search operation based on reliable information. Throughout the morning, intermittent gunfire erupted between the security forces and the Maoists.
Recovery of Maoist Bodies and Weapons
After the encounter concluded, a search of the area revealed the bodies of a woman and two male Maoists, along with weapons and other materials associated with the insurgents. The deceased Maoists were identified as Mardavi Joga alias Munna, a member of the Konta Area Committee, Sodi Bandi from the Kistaram Area Committee, and Nuppon Bajni, a member of the LOS.
Authorities noted that Joga and Bandi each had a reward of ₹5 lakh on their heads, while Bajni had a bounty of ₹2 lakh.
Significant Maoist Casualties in Recent Years
According to Sundar Raj P., Inspector General of Police for the Bastar region, a total of 255 Maoists, including members of the Central Committee and the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, have been killed since the beginning of joint operations by security forces in 2025. He stated, "Maoism in Bastar is nearing its end. The organizational structure has collapsed, and any violent actions or attempts to instill fear will have no impact. All active Maoists should abandon violence and take advantage of the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy."
Government's Response to the Operation
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai praised the operation, indicating that it is a clear sign that the days of violence in Bastar are coming to an end, and that steps towards peace, development, and mainstream integration are accelerating. With this operation, a total of 284 Naxals have been killed in encounters in Chhattisgarh this year.