Chhattisgarh Security Forces Achieve Major Victory Against Maoists

Significant Anti-Maoist Operation in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: In a significant advancement in the fight against Maoism in Chhattisgarh, security personnel successfully eliminated two prominent Maoist leaders, Vijay Reddy and Lokesh Salame, during a fierce confrontation in the Banda Pahad forest area near Karekatta village in the Manpur-Mohla-Ambagarh Chowki district on Wednesday.

This encounter, occurring close to the Kanker border, is being recognized as a crucial achievement in the state's intensified efforts to combat left-wing extremism.

Superintendent of Police Yashpal Singh informed that the operation was initiated following precise intelligence regarding the presence of high-ranking Maoist figures in the vicinity. A coordinated team consisting of the District Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) encircled the forest area around 5 PM. When the Maoists opened fire, the forces retaliated, leading to a prolonged exchange that resulted in the neutralization of both leaders. After the gunfire ceased, the bodies of Reddy and Salame were retrieved along with an INSAS rifle, a .303 rifle, and various Maoist materials. Security forces are currently conducting searches in the area for additional Maoist bodies.

Vijay Reddy, aged 55 and originally from Andhra Pradesh, was affiliated with the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZCM) and had a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head.

Lokesh Salame, 40, hailing from Rajnandgaon district, served as a divisional committee leader with a reward of Rs 10 lakh. Both individuals were instrumental in orchestrating numerous attacks over the years, instilling fear in the communities of Manpur, Madanwada, and Sitagaon police station areas.

The forest region where the encounter took place has historically been a strategic base for Maoist activities, including training camps and arms storage.

Officials noted that this area was utilized by Company No. 5 of the CPI (Maoist) and had become a refuge for senior commanders. This operation is part of a larger initiative that has seen 229 Maoists neutralized in Chhattisgarh this year, with 208 of those in the Bastar division.

Despite the difficult terrain and ongoing monsoon conditions, security forces remain committed to dismantling the insurgent network and restoring stability in the region.