Three Maoists Killed in Encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

Raipur/Sukma- Three Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the dense Karigundam forests of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Sunday, dealing another significant blow to insurgent activities in the Bastar region. Weapons were recovered from the site.

The encounter broke out in the Chintagufa police station area, where firing continued intermittently due to the difficult terrain.

Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said the operation was launched after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of Maoists in the mountainous zones. The deceased Maoists were identified as:

Madvi Deva – Jan Militia Commander & Konta Area Committee Member

Podium Gangi – Konta Area Committee Commander

Sodi Gangi – Area Committee Member, Kistaram

Each carried a reward of ?5 lakh.

“A joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and local police was sent at dawn as part of the ongoing anti-Naxal campaign,” SP Chavan said. “Upon reaching the spot, the insurgents opened fire, prompting a swift retaliatory action. Three Maoists have been neutralised so far, and the search operation continues.”

This operation brings the Maoist death toll in Chhattisgarh this year to 262, reflecting intensified security action. The Bastar division remains the core conflict zone, accounting for 233 deaths.
Gariaband district has reported 27 casualties, while two were recorded in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki under the Durg division.

The latest encounter comes close on the heels of a major gunfight on November 11, when six Maoists were killed in the Bijapur–Dantewada forest area. DRG and STF personnel had come under fire during a search operation in the national park zone of Bijapur.

Security operations in Chhattisgarh have ramped up this year with enhanced intelligence gathering, drone surveillance, and long-range patrols. Officials credit better coordination between state police and central forces for the recent successes.

However, dense forests and difficult terrain continue to pose operational challenges, enabling Maoist groups to regroup. Local communities in Sukma and neighbouring districts remain tense, with development projects frequently disrupted by violence.

Authorities maintain that anti-Maoist operations will continue until lasting peace is restored in the region.

With inputs from IANS