At least 14 Maoists, including a commander with a bounty of ₹1 crore, were killed in an intense encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district, near the Odisha border, police confirmed. Among the deceased were two women Maoists, neutralized on Monday during the initial phase of the operation.

The encounter began late Monday night and extended into early Tuesday morning in the dense forests under the Manipur police station area. The operation is still ongoing, and the death toll may rise further, officials said.

Details of the Operation

The joint operation, launched on January 19, was based on intelligence inputs about Maoist activity in the Kularighat reserve forest, located just 5 km from Odisha’s Nuapada district. Security forces involved in the mission included the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), and Odisha’s Special Operation Group (SOG).

During the operation’s early stages, two women Maoists were killed, and a CoBRA jawan sustained injuries. A fresh exchange of fire occurred during the night, resulting in the elimination of 12 more Maoists by Tuesday morning.

Seizures from the Encounter Site

Authorities recovered a significant cache of arms and explosives from the site, including a self-loading rifle, ammunition, and several IEDs. The presence of high-value equipment and weaponry suggests the Maoist group included senior cadres.

Strategic Importance

This encounter marks a significant blow to Maoist insurgents operating along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The operation highlights intensified efforts by security forces to dismantle Maoist strongholds in this region.

Broader Context

Maoist violence has been a persistent challenge in India’s central and eastern regions, with security forces frequently engaging in operations to curb their influence. The latest operation underscores the collaboration between Chhattisgarh and Odisha forces to neutralize the insurgent threat along the inter-state border.

Further updates are awaited as the operation continues and officials assess the full extent of its impact.