Raipur/Sukma, March 29 (NationPress) A Maoist operative was eliminated during a clash with security forces in the rugged forested region near the Polampalli Police Station in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday.

This operation was carried out by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) team in Sukma, following credible intelligence about Maoist activities in the area.

Sukma's Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chavan, reported that the DRG conducted a search operation in the thick woods. An exchange of gunfire erupted between the security personnel and the Maoist faction early on March 29, 2026.

After hostilities ceased, the search team meticulously examined the site of the encounter and discovered the body of a male Maoist along with a firearm.

The deceased has been identified as PPCM Moochaki Kailash, residing in Poolanpad under the Chintalnar Police Station jurisdiction in Sukma district. He held the title of Section Commander in Platoon Number 31 of the CPI (Maoist) group.

A bounty of Rs 5 lakh had been placed on him. He was implicated in numerous cases involving civilian deaths, assaults on security forces, and plots involving improvised explosive devices (IED).

Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, urged remaining Maoist members to surrender immediately. He highlighted that the opportunity for surrender and rehabilitation is nearing its end, leaving little time for those wishing to take advantage of this option.

The senior officer encouraged the Maoists to abandon violence, reintegrate into society, and pursue a peaceful, secure, and dignified life for themselves and their families. He reiterated that security forces will maintain relentless operations against those who persist in violent activities.

This encounter occurs as state police and central forces ramp up anti-Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) actions throughout the Bastar division ahead of the March 2026 target set by the Central government to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism from the area.

In recent months, a number of Maoist operatives have surrendered, while others have been neutralized in similar intelligence-driven missions.

Local residents expressed relief following the successful operation, noting the area's history of Maoist activities.

The body of the slain Maoist has been sent for post-mortem and further legal procedures. A comprehensive search operation is ongoing in the surrounding forests in an attempt to locate any remaining members of the group who may have escaped during the firefight.

Authorities have confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries among the security forces during this encounter.

This successful operation is viewed as a significant advancement in the continuous effort to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the troubled Sukma region of Chhattisgarh.