“Turning the Tide: Major Victory Against Maoists in Chhattisgarh”

In a significant development, security forces engaged in a fierce encounter with Maoist insurgents in the central state of Chhattisgarh, resulting in the loss of at least 29 lives on Tuesday. This confrontation marks one of the deadliest clashes in the ongoing conflict between authorities and Maoist rebels.

The encounter unfolded in a remote area of Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district, underscoring the persistent challenges posed by Maoist activity in the region. A video captured by security personnel offers a glimpse into the intensity of the operation, which ultimately led to the demise of 29 insurgents. District police chief I.K. Elesela confirmed the casualty count, emphasizing that the joint operation involving police and the Border Security Force (BSF) had successfully neutralized the insurgents.

The skirmish erupted around 2 pm in the dense Hapatola forest near Binagunda village, as a coordinated effort by the BSF and the state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG). Despite the successful operation, three individuals sustained injuries, including two BSF personnel and one from the DRG. Recovered from the scene were a substantial cache of weapons, including four automatic firearms. Notably, among the deceased was a prominent rebel commander, Shankar Rao.

According to a statement by the BSF, the operation was meticulously planned and executed after intelligence reports indicated Maoist movements near Binagunda village. Sundarraj Pattilingam, inspector-general of police for Bastar district, confirmed that three members of the government security forces were wounded during the exchange of fire.

The operation was spearheaded by Laxman Kewat, a decorated officer recognized for his prowess in encounters, having eliminated 44 Maoist insurgents in the past. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the operation as a monumental success in the state’s ongoing campaign against Maoist insurgency. He commended the bravery of the security personnel involved and expressed concerns over the insurgents’ potential attempts to disrupt democratic processes, particularly with the looming Lok Sabha elections in Bastar and Kanker constituencies.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah has not only called for but has also pledged to achieve a Maoist-free Bastar region. This operation stands as a monumental success in our quest for peace. The government is steadfast in its commitment to ending the bloodshed and urges the Maoists to abandon violence, engage in dialogue, and embrace the path of development.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked, this operation marks the largest triumph in the state’s ongoing struggle against Maoists. He extends his congratulations to all involved, recognizing their courage and dedication. Given the proximity of the gunfight to both the Bastar and Kanker Lok Sabha constituencies, and with Bastar’s imminent elections on Friday, there are concerns that the Maoists may have sought to influence the democratic process.