Have 10 Maoists been killed and 26 arrested in Chhattisgarh?

Synopsis
In a decisive blow to Maoist insurgency, security forces in Chhattisgarh have neutralized 10 Maoists, capturing 26 others during an extensive operation. This strategic action comes as the government intensifies its fight against Naxalism, aiming for its eradication by 2026.
Key Takeaways
- 10 Maoists neutralized in a significant operation in Chhattisgarh.
- 26 Maoists arrested, including members with substantial bounties.
- Seizures included explosives and banned propaganda materials.
- Government aims to eradicate Naxalism by 2026.
- Operation signifies a robust response against Maoist insurgency.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (NationPress) In a significant anti-Maoist operation on Thursday, 10 Maoists, including a senior leader from the banned CPI-Maoist, were neutralized in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband.
Following an intelligence tip-off regarding Maoist activity in the forests of the Mainpur area, teams from Gariaband E30, the Special Task Force (STF), and COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action - an elite unit of the CRPF) arrived at the scene and executed the operation successfully.
Among those killed was Modem Balakrishna, also known as Balanna, Ramchandra, or Manoj, aged 58, a member of the Central Committee. He hailed from Warangal district in Telangana.
With a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head, Balakrishna's death is viewed as a significant blow to the Naxalism issue in the region.
On the same day, security forces apprehended 26 active Maoist members, including six individuals with a total bounty of Rs 13 lakh, during multiple operations across Bijapur district.
This coordinated effort involved the District Reserve Guard (DRG) Bijapur and personnel from Gangaloor, Bhairamgarh, Usur, Awapalli, and Tarrem police stations, in conjunction with CoBRA 205 and CRPF’s 196 and 62 Battalions.
Authorities also confiscated explosives, weapons, and prohibited propaganda materials.
The arrests occurred during distinct anti-Maoist operations in various police station jurisdictions: three from Gangaloor, three from Bhairamgarh, eight from Awapalli, eight from Usur, and four from Tarrem.
Security forces seized IEDs, cooker and tiffin bombs, detonators, safety fuses, wires, batteries, digging tools, and Maoist propaganda items, such as banners, posters, and pamphlets.
During interrogation, the detained Maoists revealed their intentions to plant IEDs targeting security personnel.
Legal actions have been initiated under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosives Act, with all suspects placed in judicial custody.
In recent months, security forces have effectively tackled the Naxalism threat in the red-corridor regions, including in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Telangana.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly emphasized that the Union government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.