How Did Security Forces Deal a Major Blow to Maoists at the Tri-State Border?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Security forces successfully recovered a large cache of LWE materials.
- A significant operation involved nearly 300 personnel.
- Inspector Ashish Sharma made the ultimate sacrifice.
- The operation is a critical blow to Maoist logistics.
- Intensified efforts against insurgency will continue.
Balaghat/Rajnandgaon, Nov 24 (NationPress) In a major setback for Maoist insurgents active along the tri-border of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, security forces have unearthed a substantial cache of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) materials from a deserted camp located in the thick forests of Kauhapani village, under the jurisdiction of Boratlav police station in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh.
In response, nearly 300 personnel from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh were deployed, intensifying the search operations over a 15-km radius.
Over the course of three days, teams systematically navigated through dense jungles, ravines, and elevated terrains, effectively cutting off any possible escape routes for the Maoists.
On November 22, a secondary phase of the operation, spearheaded by the Chhattisgarh STF, District Reserve Guard (DRG) Rajnandgaon, and DRG Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chouki, successfully pinpointed the insurgents' temporary encampment.
Upon noticing the approaching forces, the frightened Maoists retreated deeper into the forest, hastily abandoning their possessions.
A large assortment of materials was recovered from the site, including multiple sets of olive-green uniforms and backpacks, solar panels with chargers, walkie-talkies along with batteries, explosives and detonators, tents, tarps, cooking equipment, and substantial food supplies, along with critical diaries, letters, and propaganda materials.
The four-day joint anti-LWE operation, initiated on November 19 following credible intelligence about Maoist presence in the area, escalated into a fierce firefight on the same day.
Inspector Ashish Sharma from Balaghat district police was martyred while heroically leading the charge. His noble sacrifice inspired the forces to tighten their encirclement.
Significant blood trails found a few hundred meters from the site suggest that at least three Naxalites suffered serious gunshot wounds, with one reportedly in critical condition.
Intelligence suggests that the fleeing group was desperately trying to obtain medical supplies and a doctor from nearby villages, but local tribal communities, tired of years of Maoist extortion, refused to assist.
Six dedicated teams from STF Baghera, DRG Mohla, and DRG Rajnandgaon were integral to the final assault. All recovered items have been seized and are being sent for forensic analysis.
Officials described this recovery as one of the most substantial in the region this year, delivering a significant logistical and psychological blow to the diminishing Maoist forces.
“The intensified joint operation will persist relentlessly until the last Naxalite is neutralized or surrenders,” stated a senior officer.