14 Maoists Neutralised in Major Anti-Naxal Operation in Chhattisgarh

Raipur/Sukma/Bijapur — In one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations carried out this year, security forces have neutralised over 14 Maoists in two separate encounters in the Sukma and Bijapur districts of Chhattisgarh’s South Bastar region, officials said on Friday.

The main exchange of fire took place in the dense forested Kistaram area of Sukma district, where joint teams of security personnel were conducting an intensive search operation based on specific intelligence inputs. The operation turned into a prolonged gunbattle after Maoists opened heavy fire on the advancing forces, triggering fierce exchanges that lasted for several hours.

According to police officials from Sukma and Bijapur, several Maoists were killed in the encounters, with preliminary estimates placing the death toll at more than 14 across the two districts. Most of those neutralised are believed to be members of the Darbha Valley Committee (DVCM), a key and active Maoist formation in the region.

Officials said that a senior Maoist commander allegedly involved in the killing of Konta Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Girpunje was among those eliminated, marking a significant setback for the outlawed outfit.

Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter sites, including an AK-47 rifle, an INSAS rifle, and other ammunition and explosives. The search operation is still underway, with security teams continuing to comb the surrounding forest areas.

Authorities said the exact number of Maoists killed and their identities would be confirmed only after the forces return from the interior forest zones. Given the sensitive and ongoing nature of the operation, police have refrained from disclosing specific details such as the precise location of the encounter or the strength of the deployed forces.

“The operation is at a crucial stage and is still continuing. For the safety of our jawans, we cannot share operational details at this point,” a senior police official told reporters.

Officials assured that a detailed briefing, including the identities of the neutralised Maoists, the weapons recovered, and the final outcome of the operation, will be shared once the mission is completed and the area is declared secure.

Meanwhile, authorities noted that Left-Wing Extremism has seen a significant decline in recent years due to sustained counter-insurgency operations, increased surrenders, and focused development initiatives. The number of affected districts has reduced to fewer than 20, largely concentrated in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

The government has reiterated its goal of eliminating Left-Wing Extremism by March 31 through the expansion of security camps, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes. While the Maoist network has weakened due to continuous operations and surrenders, officials acknowledged that long-term challenges such as tribal displacement and socio-economic inequality continue to pose hurdles to a lasting resolution.

With inputs from IANS