Intense Clash in Chhattisgarh: 18 Naxals Killed in Ongoing Operation
Overview of the Encounter
In Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, a fierce encounter between security forces and Naxals occurred on Wednesday, leading to the recovery of six additional Naxal bodies by Thursday morning. The operation in the area is still ongoing, as confirmed by police officials.
With this latest development, the total number of Naxals killed in the encounter has risen to 18. Tragically, three members of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) also lost their lives during the clash.
Identification of the Deceased Naxals
Authorities reported that out of the 18 deceased Naxals, 16 were identified as dangerous Maoists, collectively carrying a bounty of ₹1.3 crore. Inspector General of Police for the Bastar region, Sundarraj P., stated that after nearly 12 hours of intermittent gunfire, the bodies of 12 Naxals were recovered by late Wednesday evening.
Details of the Operation
Sundarraj further explained that the search operation led to the discovery of six more bodies by Thursday morning, bringing the total to 18, including nine women. The operation involved personnel from the DRG, STF, and the Cobra Battalion of the CRPF from Dantewada and Bijapur.
This initiative was launched based on intelligence regarding the presence of Maoists from the West Bastar Division and PLGA Company Number Two in the area. The encounter began around 9 AM on Wednesday in the forests near Kachilwar-Potenar village under the Bhairamgarh police station and continued until 8 AM the following day.
Casualties Among Security Forces
The police confirmed that the fallen personnel included Head Constable Monu Wadadi, Constable Dukaru Gonde, and soldier Ramesh Sodi, all hailing from Bijapur district. Additionally, two other police officers, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector from the DRG, sustained injuries and were transported to Raipur for advanced medical care.
Profile of Key Naxal Leaders
One of the deceased, Vella, was identified as the commander of PLGA Company Number Two and was involved in multiple attacks on security forces, including a significant incident in 2020 in Sukma that resulted in the deaths of 17 personnel. Vella had a bounty of ₹8 lakh on his head.
Sundarraj noted that the other 15 slain Naxals were senior cadres, each with a bounty of ₹8 lakh, while the identities of the remaining two have yet to be confirmed.
Seizures from the Encounter
From the encounter site, security forces recovered a light machine gun, four AK-47 rifles, four single-loading rifles (SLRs), one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles, four single-shot rifles, two barrel grenade launchers (BGLs), and one country-made gun. Additionally, items such as radios, scanners, multi-meters, hand grenades, safety fuses, Maoist literature, uniforms, medical supplies, and other materials were confiscated.
Authorities reported that this year alone, 281 Naxals have been killed in encounters across Chhattisgarh, with 252 of those in the Bastar region, which includes Bijapur.
Ongoing Anti-Naxal Operations
In the Raipur area, 27 Naxals were killed, while two were eliminated in the Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district of the Durg region. Sundarraj mentioned that since January 2024, 469 Maoist bodies have been recovered during anti-Naxal operations in the Bastar region, including several leaders.
He emphasized that the strong coordination among security forces has intensified operations against remaining Maoist hideouts in the area.
Goals of the Operations
The primary objective of these efforts is to liberate remote areas from Maoist influence, strengthen peace and order, and promote sustainable development that includes all community members. Sundarraj stated, "Our goal is clear - a peaceful and Naxal-free Bastar. Given the current circumstances, the Maoist organization is completely cornered and has no option but to abandon violence and return to the mainstream."
Tributes to Fallen Soldiers
Police officials reported that with this incident, 23 security personnel have lost their lives in Maoist violence this year, including those involved in encounters. Earlier today, a guard of honor was given to the three fallen soldiers at the Bijapur police line's martyr's garden, where local legislators, senior police officials, and the families of the deceased were present. Their bodies were subsequently sent to their native places.
The central government has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to completely eradicate left-wing extremism.