One of the largest anti-Maoist offensives in recent months is underway in the thick forests of Chhattisgarh’s West Bastar Division, along the Bijapur–Dantewada border. Security forces have pushed deep into Maoist hideouts, recovering the bodies of 12 Maoist cadres after a long and intense encounter that began on Wednesday morning.
Teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), the Special Task Force (STF), CRPF battalions, and CoBRA commandos launched the operation at dawn. According to officials, the troops were conducting a coordinated search when Maoists opened heavy fire around 9 am.
---Advertisement---
For hours, intermittent gunshots echoed through the forest as forces retaliated with equal intensity. By afternoon, security personnel had gained control of the area, discovering the bodies of several Maoists and a cache of weapons, including SLRs, INSAS rifles, .303 rifles, and other ammunition.
---Advertisement---
Bastar Range IG Sundarraj P said the identities of the dead Maoists are yet to be established, but the recovered weapons suggest they belonged to active units operating in the border belts.
Three Brave DRG Personnel Lose Their Lives
The biggest setback came for the DRG team, which lost three of its own in the fierce firefight.
The personnel killed were:
- Head Constable Monu Waddi
- Constable Dukaru Gonde
- Constable Ramesh Sodi
Two other DRG personnel suffered injuries but are now reported to be out of danger after receiving prompt medical treatment. Senior officials said their recovery is being closely monitored.
CM Sai Pays Tribute: 'End of Red Terror Is Near'
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep grief over the loss of the jawans and praised the forces for the successful operation.
“Our brave soldiers neutralised 12 Maoists,” he said. He added that the sacrifice of the jawans would not go in vain and called the action “a clear indication that the end of the Red Terror is very near.”
The Chief Minister also said the government remains committed to ensuring peace, security, and development in every village of Bastar.
Reinforcements Deployed as Search Intensifies
Bijapur SP Dr Jitendra Yadav confirmed that additional forces have reached the encounter site.
He said the zone has been fully cordoned off and search operations have been intensified to track down remaining Maoist cadres who fled during the gun battle.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma called it a major success for the forces but expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of the jawans. He emphasised that anti-Naxal missions will continue with even stronger determination.
Operation Still Underway
As of now, security forces remain inside the forests, scanning the terrain for more Maoists and recovering evidence from the encounter site. The operation is expected to continue through the night, with teams moving cautiously through the dense and hostile terrain.