Biggest operation in over two decades: Security forces kill at least 31 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar

In a major operation against Maoists in Chhattisgarh in over two decades, security forces killed at least 31 Naxalites — highest number of casualties in a single action — during a fierce gunbattle in the largely Naxal-infested Bastar region on Oct 4.

The anti-Naxal operation which lasted for several hours comes five months after security forces killed 29 Naxalites including top cadres in Kanker district. At least 185 Maoists have been killed in various operations across the Bastar region including Dantewada and Narayanpur districts since the start of this year, according to officials.

“Bodies of three more Naxalites were recovered this morning from the dense forest between Thulthuli and Nendur villages along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border,” Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bastar Range, Sundarraj P told PTI on Oct 5.

"With this, the death toll of Naxalites in the encounter rose to 31. Their identity is yet to be ascertained, but prima facie it appears that they belonged to PLGA Company No. 6, Platoon 16 of Maoists, and the east Bastar division of Maoists," he added.

A jawan from the state's District Reserve Guard (DRG) was injured by a grenade shell during the gunfight, which erupted at 1 pm on Oct 3, according to IGP.

Security forces also seized a cache of weapons, including an AK-47, an SLR, an INSAS rifle, an LMG, and a 303 rifle, he said.

The joint operation was conducted by personnel from the DRG, Special Task Force (STF), and other units. It was launched after intelligence reports suggested Maoist leaders, including Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) operative Kamlesh and senior cadres — Neeti, Nandu, and Suresh Salam — were hiding in the area.

DKSZC is considered the most powerful and dreaded unit of Maoists.

The Narayanpur-Dantewada border is known as a stronghold of Maoist units like the Indravati area committee, PLGA Company No 6, and Platoon 16. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in a statement on Oct 4 hailed the security forces for major success and vowed to continue the fight against Naxalism.

The Naxalites also known as Maoists have frequently targeted police and government workers for the past many years in what they claim is a fight for improved land rights and more jobs for neglected agricultural laborers and the poor.