Security Forces Kill 31 Naxalites in Largest Operation in Chhattisgarh's Bastar

Oct 4, 2024, 11:45 PM

Security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region have killed at least 31 Naxalites in a major encounter that took place in the Narayanpur and Dantewada districts. The operation, planned four days ago, occurred over a 10 km range in the Abujhmad area, where a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) engaged in a fierce gunbattle with the Maoists. Police believe at least five senior commanders were among those eliminated. A significant cache of automatic weapons, including AK-47s and SLRs, was recovered from the site. IG Bastar Sundarraj Pattilingam confirmed the deaths. The encounter is considered one of the largest operations against Maoists in the region and the biggest blow to them in Bastar ever. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces and urged the Maoists to abandon violence and embrace development. No security personnel were injured in the operation, and search operations are ongoing.