The gunfight broke out at around 1 pm in the forest between Thulthuli and Nendur villages in Abhujmaad. (Representative image)

31 Naxals gunned down in Chhattisgarh, 185 ultras eliminated so far in 2024

Bodies of Naxalites along with a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and one SLR (self-loading rifle), have been recovered from the encounter spot.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Gunfight occurred on Narayanpur-Dantewada border
  • Weapons, bodies of Naxals including AK-47 recovered
  • Total 185 ultras killed in Chhattisgarh's Bastar this year

In one of the largest operations against Maoists in Chhattisgarh, security forces killed at least 31 Naxalites during a fierce encounter in the Bastar region on Friday.

This operation marks the highest number of Maoist fatalities in a single action since the state was formed 24 years ago. It comes just over five months after security forces killed 29 Naxalites, including top cadres, in Kanker district.

One jawan from the state's District Reserve Guard (DRG) was injured by a grenade shell during the gunfight, which took place at 1 pm in the forest between Thulthuli and Nendur villages along the Narayanpur-Dantewada border, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said.

The joint operation involved personnel from the DRG, Special Task Force (STF), and other units. It was launched on Thursday after intelligence reports suggested Maoist leaders, including DKSZC member Kamlesh and senior cadres Neeti, Nandu, and Suresh Salam, were hiding in the area.

The area is a known stronghold of Maoist units like the Indravati area committee, PLGA Company No 6, and Platoon 16. So far, 31 bodies have been recovered, with reports indicating that more Maoists may have been killed.

Security forces also seized a cache of weapons, including an AK-47, an SLR, an INSAS rifle, an LMG, and a .303 rifle.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces for their bravery and vowed to continue the fight against Naxalism.

Since the start of the year, 185 Maoists have been killed in various operations across the Bastar region, which includes districts like Dantewada and Narayanpur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier stated that India aims to be free from Left-Wing Extremism by March 2026.