31 Maoists Neutralised In Chattisgarh; Two Jawans Martyred In Fierce Gun Battle

In a significant combing operation, 31 Maoists were killed by security forces in the dense forested region of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The operation, aimed at neutralising left-wing extremism in the area, unfolded deep within the Indravati National Park area of the district. Tragically, two security personnel also lost their lives during the intense gun battle.

"Two jawans, including one from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the other from the Special Task Force (STF), lost their lives, while two others were injured in the gunfight," said Bastar Inspector General of Police, P. Sundarraj, in a statement.

The firefight began after security forces received intelligence about the presence of Maoist cadres in the region, which is known for being a stronghold of the insurgent group. Reinforcements have been dispatched to support the ongoing operation, which continues to unfold in the remote forest region.

This latest encounter comes on the heels of a similar operation in Bijapur district just a week ago, when eight Maoists were killed. According to police sources, the ongoing operation has already resulted in the neutralisation of 81 Naxalites across Chhattisgarh this year, with the majority of these deaths—65 in total—occurring in the Bastar division, which includes Bijapur and six other districts.

The region, notorious for its dense forests and difficult terrain, has long been a hotspot for Maoist insurgency. Last year, a total of 219 Maoists were killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh, signalling an aggressive push by the state and central government to curb left-wing extremism in the area.

The operation, launched on Friday, involved personnel from the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), along with its elite unit, the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action). The combined forces, acting on intelligence inputs, successfully targeted the Maoist "West Bastar division," a faction known for its insurgent activities in the region.

As the operation continues, the authorities are determined to press forward with their efforts to dismantle the Maoist network in the region. While the operation has proven deadly for the insurgents, the cost has also been high for security forces, who have endured casualties in their efforts to restore peace and order in one of India’s most challenging conflict zones. The recent series of operations underscores the persistent and growing threat posed by Maoist insurgents in the Bastar region, while also highlighting the resolve of security forces to confront the ongoing extremism in the heart of India’s central tribal belt.​