Fourteen Maoists were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and neighbouring Bijapur districts on Saturday morning, marking the first such incidents this year in the Bastar region.

Of the total fatalities, 12 Maoists were killed in Sukma district, while two were eliminated during an ongoing operation in Bijapur. Security forces have said the number may increase as combing operations are still underway in dense forest areas.

Encounter in Sukma’s Kistaram area

The first encounter took place in the Kistaram area of Sukma when security forces launched a search operation based on specific intelligence inputs. As the team advanced through forested terrain, Maoists opened fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

Among those believed to have been killed is Sachin Mangdu, a senior Maoist leader associated with the Konta Area Committee. Sources also indicated that a Maoist commander allegedly involved in the killing of Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Girpunje in Konta may have been neutralised in the same encounter.

Officials said the presence of several Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) cadre Maoists at the site suggests that a high-level Maoist movement or meeting was underway when security forces struck.

Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan stated that formal identification of the Maoists would be confirmed only after the search teams return from the forest.

Security forces recovered AK-47 and INSAS rifles from the Sukma encounter site.

Second encounter underway in Bijapur

In a separate operation in Bijapur district, security forces killed two Maoists and recovered one SLR and a 12-bore rifle. The operation in the area is still in progress.

Both encounters are part of intensified anti-Naxal operations being carried out across the Bastar region.

Before a single vote could be cast in Maharashtra’s long-pending municipal corporation elections, the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance has secured a decisive early advantage, winning 66 wards unopposed. Ajit Pawar-led NCP has also registered two uncontested victories.

Friday marked the final day for withdrawal of nomination forms, during which several candidates from opposition parties pulled out of the race. This cleared the path for 68 candidates across parties to be declared elected without contest.

However, the developments triggered sharp political reactions. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena alleged that opposition candidates were pressured or induced with money to withdraw their nominations. Taking note of the accusations, the State Election Commission has ordered an inquiry to examine whether any coercion or inducement influenced the withdrawals.

Kalyan Dombivli, Panvel emerge as major gainers

The largest number of uncontested victories came from the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, where 21 candidates from the ruling alliance were elected unopposed. Of these, 15 belong to the BJP and six to the Shiv Sena.

In Panvel, another key civic body in the MMR, seven BJP candidates secured uncontested wins, continuing the alliance’s strong showing in urban centres.

North Maharashtra also reflected a similar trend. Jalgaon contributed 12 unopposed corporators, evenly split between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. In Dhule, three BJP candidates were declared elected without contest.

Mixed outcomes in NCP strongholds

Despite being considered a stronghold of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), Bhiwandi saw six uncontested victories for the BJP. Meanwhile, in Ahilya Nagar, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP won two seats unopposed, while the BJP secured one.

Even amid visible political strain with the BJP in Thane, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena managed to win six wards uncontested. The process was questioned by the MNS, which staged a protest in the district.

Political analysts say these early gains could provide a morale boost to the ruling alliance, especially after its strong performance in the recently concluded municipal council elections. The uncontested wins are also expected to allow parties to redirect resources and campaign efforts to other competitive regions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, amid an ongoing controversy linked to recent developments involving Bangladesh.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board issued the directive after reassessing the situation, moving away from its earlier “wait and watch” approach. The decision, he said, was taken in view of developments unfolding “all across”, indicating growing concerns that prompted intervention at the board level.

“Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad,” Saikia said while speaking to media. He added that the board would permit KKR to name a replacement player if the franchise chooses to do so.

Mustafizur had come under the spotlight after KKR signed him for Rs 9.20 crore at the December auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi cricketer ever bought in the IPL. The signing was seen as a major investment, with the left-arm pacer expected to play a key role in the death overs during the season.

What the directive means for KKR

The move presents both a strategic and financial challenge for Kolkata Knight Riders. Mustafizur’s skill set, particularly his variations and effectiveness at the death, was central to KKR’s bowling plans. His release leaves the franchise with limited time to reorganise their overseas combination ahead of the season.

The decision also raises questions over KKR’s auction purse. While the BCCI has confirmed that a replacement player will be allowed, there is no official clarity yet on whether the Rs 9.20 crore spent on Mustafizur will be fully credited back to the franchise.

KKR may now have to rework their squad balance, potentially relying more on Indian fast bowlers or adjusting their overseas player strategy as the IPL 2026 season approaches.