Chhattisgarh: Security Forces Eliminate 4 Maoists in Bastar Encounter, One Jawan Martyred

As a major anti-Naxal operation, security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district killed four uniformed Maoists in an encounter in the thick forests of South Abujhmad near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. The operation involved close to 1,000 personnel from STF and DRG teams from four districts and ran from the night of January 3 to the morning of January 5, 2024.

Operation Details

Inspector General of Bastar Range, Sundarraj P confirmed the death bodies of the Maoists along with AK-47 and SLR rifles. But during the encounter, DRG Head Constable Sannu Karam lost his life due to cross firing.

The encounter started when intelligence reports said Maoists were present in the area. Security teams encircled the forest, and the firing continued till late Saturday night. After the firing stopped, a search operation was conducted that led to the recovery of the Maoist bodies and weapons.

Anti-Naxal Campaign Progress

During the past 18 months, more than 300 Maoists have been killed, over 1,000 arrested, and 800 have surrendered. The campaign is a part of a broader initiative to eradicate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh by 2026, which was highlighted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to the state.