Sukma: At least three Maoists, including a top commander, have been neutralised in an ongoing operation by security forces in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday.
According to the police, the encounter broke out earlier in the day after the District Reserve Guard (DRG) launched a search operation based on credible intelligence inputs regarding Maoist presence in the Tumalpád forest and hilly terrain.
The encounter took place in the dense forests between Bhejji and Chintagufa.
The Maoists apparently laid an ambush and opened fire on the security personnel. A fierce gunfight broke out thereafter in which the rebels were killed. A cordon and search operation was launched to look for other members of the group.
Among the slain rebels is Madvi Deva, a notorious jan-militia commander and sniper. Two female Maoists, Podium Gangi and Sodi Gangi, both carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh each, were also killed. Security personnel have recovered a .303 rifle, Barrel Grenade launchers, and a large cache of ammunition from the encounter site.
Sukma SP Kiran Chavan said a search operation is still underway to prevent the militants from fleeing. Bastar IG Sundarraj described the action as a “major blow” to the Maoist organisation, asserting that Maoism in Bastar is now in its final phase. He noted that 233 Maoists have been neutralised in Bastar in 2025 so far.
This is the second major Naxal encounter this month. On November 11, six Maoists were eliminated in Bijapur district.
