In a major development, Telangana police neutralized seven Maoists, including a key leader, during an encounter in the Eturnagaram forest of Mulugu district on December 1, 2024. The operation was led by the elite Greyhounds unit, known for its counterinsurgency expertise, as confirmed by the Mulugu Superintendent of Police, Dr. Shabarish.
The encounter unfolded in the dense Chalpaka forest area after police received intelligence about Maoist activities in the region. The Maoists, allegedly belonging to the banned CPI (Maoist) group, engaged in a gunfight with the Greyhounds unit. Among the deceased was Bhadru, a prominent area secretary, whose death marks a significant blow to the group’s operations.
Post-encounter, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and explosives, including two AK-47 rifles, underscoring the Maoists’ preparation for potential assaults. The police have since intensified combing operations in the area to prevent any regrouping or retaliatory actions.
This incident comes just weeks after a similar operation in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, where 10 Maoists were killed. The Mulugu encounter highlights the growing challenges law enforcement faces in combating Naxalism, especially in the dense forests that provide a natural cover for insurgents.
The state police, along with central forces, continue to focus on curbing Maoist activities in Telangana’s border areas. Officials have appealed to remaining cadres to surrender and join the mainstream, promising rehabilitation under government schemes.
Further updates are awaited as search operations and investigations continue in the region
Web Team C6N
