In a significant blow to Naxalite operations, security forces killed more than 26 Naxalites, including suspected top cadres, during a fierce encounter in the dense forests along the Narayanpur-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh. The operation, which took place between the Abhujmad and Indravati National Park regions, also resulted in the loss of one police supporter and left one jawan injured.

According to Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also oversees the Home Department, combing operations are still in progress to locate any remaining militants. The encounter began after intelligence inputs revealed the presence of senior Maoist leaders from the Mad Division in the area. Teams from the District Reserve Guards (DRG) of four districts launched a coordinated action, during which the Naxalites opened fire, triggering the deadly clash.

In a related operation across the state border, police in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district arrested three women Naxalites and detained two suspected minors. Acting on intelligence about a planned Maoist attack in Binagunda Mauza (Bhamragadh area), seven squads of the elite C-60 commandos and a CRPF battalion launched a successful raid.

Among those arrested:

• Ungi Hoyam (27): A divisional committee member in Maoist Platoon 32, carried a reward of ₹16 lakh.

• Pallavi Midayam (19): A party committee member in the same platoon, carried a reward of ₹8 lakh.

• Deve Podiyam (19): Carried a reward of ₹4 lakh.

All three hail from Chhattisgarh. The detained minors—a male and a female—had a combined reward of ₹8 lakh on their heads.

These back-to-back successes mark a crucial step in weakening Naxalite influence and safeguarding affected regions. Authorities continue their efforts to restore peace and dismantle militant networks.