19 Naxals Killed in 36-Hour Encounter in Chhattisgarh, Security Forces Recover Automatic Weapons

Security forces have been involved in a fierce encounter for the past 36 hours in Gariyaband district of Chhattisgarh, in a major crackdown on Naxal activity. Authorities have confirmed that 19 Naxals have been killed so far, and multiple automatic weapons, including AK-47s, SLRs, and INSAS rifles, have been recovered at the site. The operation is a joint effort by Odisha and Chhattisgarh security personnel involving nearly 1,000 troops.
According to Raipur Zone's Inspector General Amresh Mishra, on the first day of a search, two Naxal bodies-one being a woman-were found. On the second day, 19 bodies were recovered, showing the scale of action being undertaken. Sources reveal that among those killed could be Jairam, alias Chalapti, State Chief of Odisha holding a bounty of INR 1 crore, and top leaders of the Naxals Manoj and Guddu.
Security Forces continue search
In the prolonged firefight in the hilly terrain of Kulhadighat's Bhaludiggi region, one security personnel was injured and airlifted to Raipur for treatment. Meanwhile, ten combined teams from Chhattisgarh and Odisha are continuing their joint operation, following intelligence reports of a large Naxal presence in the Kulhadighat Reserve Forest near the state border. Officials believe more Naxal bodies may be discovered as the search intensifies.
Largest Joint Operation Yet
The operation, which began on January 19, is one of the largest joint operations undertaken by the two states against Naxal groups. Authorities are still working to identify the dead Naxals and analyze the weaponry seized in the encounter. Security forces remain on high alert to neutralize the remaining threats in the dense forests that border Odisha and Chhattisgarh.