Have Security Forces Successfully Eliminated 25 Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad?
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Synopsis
In a major breakthrough, security forces have reportedly eliminated 25 Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad forest. This operation underscores the ongoing battle against insurgency, revealing high-profile targets and ongoing efforts to secure peace in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Security forces neutralized 25 Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad.
- High-ranking Maoist leaders were among the casualties.
- The operation is ongoing, with recovery efforts underway.
- Recent surrenders indicate a shift among some Maoists.
- Authorities are focused on fostering peace and stability.
Raipur, May 21 (NationPress) Security forces have successfully neutralized 25 Maoists in the dense woodlands of Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, with efforts ongoing to recover their bodies and weapons.
The operation spans the borders of Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Bijapur districts, reportedly claiming the lives of several high-ranking Maoist leaders, according to police sources.
The death toll could potentially rise to 26 or beyond, as per further police reports. However, Prabhat Kumar, the Superintendent of Police in Narayanpur, stated in an interview with IANS, “The exact number of eliminated Maoists has yet to be confirmed as the encounter is still active, and we will update the figures later.”
Authorities had received credible intelligence about the presence of Basava Raju, a politburo member and general secretary of a Maoist faction, in the Boter area of Abujhmad, for whom a bounty of Rs 1.5 crore was announced.
Specialized teams, including DRG personnel from Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Kondagaon, were deployed for the operation, which resulted in an early morning encounter, sources indicate.
Previously, police had detailed the Karregutta operation in a press briefing, disclosing that security forces had neutralized 31 Maoists during a 24-day campaign in the Karregutta mountains along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
The casualties from that operation included 16 women and 15 men. Notable among the deceased politburo members was Nambala Keshav Rav, known as Gaganna (67), from Andhra Pradesh, who also had a bounty of Rs 1.5 crore. The officer has yet to confirm these reports.
Other prominent Maoists in the area include Mupalla Laxman Rao (alias Ganpati, 70) from Telangana, Kattam Sudarshan (alias Anand, 68), Malojulla (alias Bhupati, 60), Mishir Besra (63) from Jharkhand, and Thippari Tirupati (alias Devji, 64) from Telangana. These individuals are senior members of the Maoist organization, with some killed or currently at large.
The extensive crackdown in the Karregutta hills highlights the ongoing commitment of security forces in combating insurgency, representing a significant advancement in the enduring conflict.
The operation in Abujhmad by DRG Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon is a result of intelligence regarding a substantial Maoist presence in the Maad division.
Earlier last month, 26 Maoists, including three with total rewards of Rs 4.5 lakh on their heads, surrendered to security forces alongside five female Maoists in Narayanpur.
The five women, active in various regional committees, each carried a reward of Rs one lakh and expressed their desire to renounce violence and return to normal life after enduring years of hardship in the forests and disillusionment with Maoist beliefs.
Officials hailed this as a promising development, hoping it would motivate others to follow their lead.
In another major event, 24 Maoists, including 14 with a combined bounty of Rs 28.50 lakh, surrendered in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Monday.
A senior official noted that this surrender coincides with an ongoing large-scale anti-Maoist operation, involving around 24,000 security personnel in the Karregutta hills of Bijapur near the Telangana border since April 21.
Among those who surrendered were 11 women. Reports indicate that the Maoists voiced their disillusionment with the harsh Maoist ideology, the violence inflicted on local tribal communities by the group, and the internal strife within the outlawed organization.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the extensive efforts and risks undertaken by our security forces in combating insurgency. While the elimination of Maoists marks a significant step, the focus must remain on fostering lasting peace and stability in Chhattisgarh. The surrender of Maoists also highlights the potential for rehabilitation and transformation away from violence, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the operation in Abujhmad?
Security forces have reportedly eliminated 25 Maoists in the Abujhmad forest, with ongoing efforts to recover bodies and weapons.
Who was targeted in the operation?
The operation targeted high-ranking Maoist leaders, including Basava Raju, a member of their politburo.
What measures are being taken to address Maoist violence?
The security forces are conducting extensive operations and engaging with communities to promote peace and stability.
How many Maoists have surrendered recently?
Recently, 26 Maoists, including five women, surrendered in Narayanpur, expressing their desire to abandon violence.
What does this operation signify for the region?
This operation represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict and highlights the commitment of security forces to combat insurgency.
