In a significant security operation last night, 20 Maoists, including a high-ranking leader with a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head, were killed in an encounter in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation, labeling it a “major success” in the ongoing effort to dismantle Naxalism.
The encounter, which occurred in a dense forest along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, resulted in the death of Jayaram Reddy, a senior Maoist leader better known by his alias Chalapati. Reddy was a prominent figure within the Maoist central committee, involved in planning and leading various operations across the region.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of Chhattisgarh, and the Special Operation Group (SOG) from Odisha. Acting on reliable intelligence, the security forces engaged the Maoists in the Kularighat reserve forest, approximately five kilometers from the Odisha border.
In the aftermath, security officials recovered a significant cache of arms, including self-loading rifles, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). A comprehensive search operation continues in the area to ensure all threats are neutralized.
Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing his resolve to eradicate Maoist elements by March 2026, stated on the social media platform X, “Our security forces achieved a major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat.” He emphasized the joint efforts contributing to the diminishing threat of Naxalism in the region.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also praised the operation, underscoring the effectiveness of the security forces under the current government. He affirmed the state’s commitment to eliminating Maoist influence by the set target date.
This year, Chhattisgarh has witnessed a significant reduction in Maoist activity, with about 40 Maoists eliminated in various operations. Chalapati, among those killed, was a pivotal figure with extensive experience in guerrilla warfare, operating from the challenging terrains of Abujhmad and recently relocating closer to the Odisha border for strategic advantages.
The operation marks a critical milestone in the ongoing battle against Naxalism, reflecting the intensified efforts by the security forces to secure peace and order in regions affected by Maoist insurgency.