40 Maoists killed in anti-Naxal op in Chhattisgarh

Security forces reported the killing of an estimated 40 Maoists (interchangeably referred to as "Naxals") in a forest area along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border in Chhattisgarh on 4 October, marking a significant achievement for the forces in recent times, according to sources. The District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Special Task Force (STF) initiated the anti-Maoist operation yesterday, with contact established at 12:30 PM today, and the encounter is still ongoing.

Numerous assault rifles, including those from the AK series, along with other weapons, have been seized from the hideouts of Maoists, as per the sources.

How Maoists were tracked, eliminated

In response to intelligence indicating a substantial Maoist presence, separate teams were deployed yesterday to conduct operations in the villages of Govel, Nendur, and Thulthuli, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Orcha and Barsur police stations. Combing operations were initiated in these areas.

“Acting on the information, a team of district reserve guard ( DRG) of Dantewada district and DRG Narayanpur district were sent to the jungle for an anti-naxal operation on Thursday night,” said an officer.Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said,"This major achievement by our brave soldiers is commendable. I salute their courage and indomitable spirit. Our fight to eliminate Naxalism will only end when we achieve complete success, and for this, our double-engine government is fully committed. The eradication of Naxalism from the state is our ultimate goal," Chhattisgarh Police said.

The confrontation began around noon today in the forests near Nendur-Thulthuli. Security forces are exercising extreme caution as they pursue a few remaining Maoists who have retreated further into the forest, according to sources.

Police report how it happened

A senior police officer said that the encounter was still going on. "The Maoists are cornered in the jungles of Thulthuli and Gevdi villages which are south of Abujmad. The teams are still searching for bodies and the figures can increase in the next few hours,” the officer said.

The cop said, "Details of the exact number of weapons and ammunition is yet to be ascertained . On Saturday , the identification process of the deceased Maoists will be done."

Anti-Maoist campaign

This encounter represents one of the most significant victories for security forces in their ongoing battle against the Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh.

This marks the second most significant achievement for security forces following the encounter on April 16 in the Kanker district, where 29 Maoists were neutralised.

With this latest operation, security forces have now eliminated a total of 186 Maoists in various confrontations within the Bastar region in 2024.

Abujhmad, which lies at the border of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, translates to "unknown hill" in the Gondi language. This dense forest, covering an area of 6,000 square kilometers, has not been thoroughly surveyed. It continues to serve as a hub for Maoist activities, with reports indicating that approximately a dozen senior members of the CPI (Maoist) are still present in the area.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai acknowledged the operation's magnitude and extended his congratulations to the security forces.

Massive anti-Maoist operation in Narayanpur of Chhattisgarh

Estimated 40 Naxals killed, 28 bodies recovered so far

Chief Minister @vishnudsai addresses the media, thanks Union Home Minister @AmitShah for his intent to fight leftist terrorism: pic.twitter.com/EpZ1FiYspl

— The Squirrels (@thesquirrelsin) October 4, 2024

"Naxalism is taking its last breath... Naxalism is certainly going to be eliminated from the state... Union Home Minister Amit Shah has visited the state twice in nine months regarding this and he has resolved to end Naxalism by March 2026," the chief minister said.