Raipur, May 14: In a major blow to Maoist insurgents, security forces have killed at least 31 Naxals during a 21-day-long anti-Naxal operation in the dense forests near the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Officials described the operation as a turning point in the fight against Naxalism.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General GP Singh and Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Dev Gautam revealed that the operation began on April 21 and concluded with the recovery of 31 Maoist bodies, 28 of which have been identified. The slain rebels reportedly carried a combined bounty of ₹1.72 crore.
Additional Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) Vivekanand said that forces seized a large cache of arms, including 35 automatic, semi-automatic, and country-made weapons. Four Maoist technical units involved in manufacturing weapons and IEDs were also dismantled.
Security officials believe several senior Maoist leaders were either killed or seriously wounded. However, due to the difficult terrain, all bodies could not be retrieved, and some injured militants may have escaped.
In addition, security personnel confiscated 450 IEDs, thousands of detonators, and 12,000 kg of materials, including medical supplies, electrical equipment, and Maoist literature.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation, calling it a "historic breakthrough" in India’s mission to eradicate Naxalism. Reaffirming the government's commitment, Shah said the country is on track to become Naxal-free by March 31, 2026, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
