At least 14 Maoists were killed in a security operation in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district, near the Odisha border, on Tuesday. The encounter also resulted in the death of two women Maoists on Monday. According to police reports, the death toll could increase as the operation is ongoing.
Details of the Encounter
The security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operation Group (SOG) from Odisha, and the District Reserve Guard (DRG), conducted the operation along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The operation, which began on January 19, was based on intelligence about the Maoists’ presence in the Kularighat reserve forest, located just 5 km from Odisha’s Nuapada district.
During the encounter, a Maoist with a bounty of ₹1 crore was neutralized. In addition to the 14 confirmed casualties, police also recovered a large cache of firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including a self-loading rifle.
Amit Shah’s Reaction
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it “another mighty blow to Naxalism.” In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Shah highlighted the success of the joint forces in neutralizing 14 Maoists. He emphasized that the security forces’ efforts were a major step towards achieving a Naxal-free India by 2026, reiterating the government’s commitment to ending Naxalism.
Shah wrote: “With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today.”
The Latest in Ongoing Operations
A fresh exchange of fire occurred late on Monday night and early Tuesday, leading to the deaths of 12 more Maoists. This was part of the ongoing operation launched to address the threat in the region, following the deaths of two women Maoists during Monday’s part of the operation.
The security operation follows a recent attack by Maoists on January 6, when eight DRG jawans and one driver were killed in an IED blast on the Bedre-Kutru Road in Bijapur. This attack was one of the largest Maoist strikes on security personnel in the past two years.
Government’s Crackdown on Naxalism
This operation is part of the Indian government’s broader effort to combat Naxalism in the country, with Amit Shah having previously vowed to end Naxalism by 2026. The recent crackdown is seen as an important step in fulfilling this commitment, especially after the tragic January 6 attack and other similar incidents, such as the April 2023 attack in Dantewada, which also targeted security personnel.
The latest encounter highlights the continued challenges faced by security forces in Naxal-affected regions but also marks a significant achievement in the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce Maoist influence in India.
