Major Success for Security Forces in Kareguttalu Hills

31 Maoists Eliminated, 216 Hideouts Destroyed
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Hails Troops’ Bravery: “A Decisive Blow to Maoism”

Raipur | In a significant breakthrough, security forces have achieved a major success in the Kareguttalu Hills, a Maoist stronghold in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. In a large-scale, 21-day anti-Naxal operation jointly conducted by Chhattisgarh Police and central paramilitary forces from April 21 to May 11, a total of 31 uniformed Maoists, including 16 women, were killed. During the operation, 216 Maoist hideouts and bunkers were destroyed and a huge cache of weapons and explosives was seized.

The operation was carried out under the joint leadership of the Chhattisgarh and Central Governments, with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The mission’s goal was to dismantle the Maoists’ armed capabilities and accelerate development in the region. The Kareguttalu hill range, located on the border of Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) and Mulugu (Telangana) districts, had served as a safe haven for Maoists for years. This 60-kilometre stretch of dense and difficult terrain housed an estimated 300–350 Maoists, including the PLGA Battalion’s technical unit, which was responsible for producing indigenous weapons, IEDs, and BGL shells.

During the operation, four Maoist technical units were also dismantled. From these sites, forces recovered 4 lathe machines, 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of cordex wire, detonators, and other explosives. Additional materials, including rations, medicines, and daily supplies, were also seized. A total of 21 encounters occurred over the 21-day operation. Maoist bodies were recovered as follows: 3 on April 24, 1 on May 5, 22 on May 7, and 5 on May 8.

Eighteen security personnel sustained injuries due to IED blasts during the operation. However, all are out of danger and receiving appropriate medical care. Despite extreme temperatures exceeding 45°C and the region’s challenging terrain, the forces showed exceptional courage and endurance.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, applauding the bravery of the troops, said, “This success on the Kareguttalu hills is not just an operation, but a decisive strike against Maoism. It represents the victory march of the Indian tricolour. I extend heartfelt congratulations to our brave security personnel. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, this fight has reached the roots of Maoism. By March 2026, Chhattisgarh will be fully free from Naxalism.”

Notably, in the first four months of 2025, the bodies of 174 hardcore Maoists have been recovered across the state. Due to intensified security force operations, Maoist groups are disintegrating and breaking into smaller factions. Anti-Naxal operations are also advancing swiftly in Bijapur’s National Park and Narayanpur’s Maad region. The state government remains committed to winning the trust of the local population, ensuring inclusive development, and achieving the complete eradication of Maoism within a set timeframe.