One Naxalite was neutralized during a gunfight with security forces in the restive Kistaram region of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, police confirmed on Friday. The operation, which commenced on Thursday, remains ongoing as security personnel continue their search of the encounter site and adjoining forested terrain.
This fresh encounter comes just two days after a major offensive in the Abujmarh forests of Narayanpur district, where 27 Maoists were killed in a joint security operation. Among the deceased was the CPI (Maoist) General Secretary, Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavraj — a top-ranking figure in the Naxalite hierarchy.
Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, P. Sundarraj, on Thursday stated, “Basavaraju had an active role in the planning of many Naxalite attacks on security forces and people’s representatives,” describing his elimination as “a great achievement in the anti-Naxal operation”.
Recovered from the Narayanpur encounter were a cache of AK-47 rifles, SLR-INSAS carbines, and other heavy arms and ammunition. One District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan lost his life and several others sustained injuries during the prolonged gun battle.
Also read: CoBRA commando killed in Chhattisgarh encounter
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the success, stating: “This is the first time in three decades of India’s battle against Naxalism that a General Secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by the security forces.”
Shah added that Basavaraju was “the backbone of the Naxal movement”, further noting that since the conclusion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxalites had been arrested and 84 had surrendered across Chhattisgarh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended the efforts of the country’s security apparatus. “Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
Further details from the Sukma encounter are awaited, as the operation continues.
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