Chhattisgarh Naxalite Encounter: 20 Naxalites Killed So Far, CM Declares Red Terror Will End by 2026
In a significant encounter in Gariaband, Chhattisgarh, reports indicate that 20 Naxalites have been killed. While there is no official confirmation yet, the number of casualties may rise. So far, the bodies of 15 Naxalites have been recovered.
Officially, 16 Naxalites have been killed in the ongoing encounter between security forces and Naxalites in Gariaband, marking a significant victory for the security forces. Earlier, in Bijapur, 18 Naxalites were killed, with all bodies and weapons recovered. The encounter, which began on Sunday morning, continues with intermittent firing.
Over a thousand soldiers have surrounded more than 60 Naxalites in the Bhalu Diggi forest of Gariaband district, near Mainpur police station. A CRPF Cobra unit jawan was injured in the encounter and has been airlifted to Raipur. Two Naxalites were killed, and one jawan was injured earlier on Sunday.
IG Raipur Zone Amresh Mishra has confirmed the recovery of 16 Naxalites’ bodies, along with AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS, and other automatic weapons. The search operation is ongoing.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai shared on X that more than 10 Naxalites were killed in the Kulhadighat area encounter, aligning with the national goal to end Naxalism by March 2026. He praised the security forces for their commendable success and bravery, expressing confidence that Chhattisgarh will be Naxal-free by 2026 under the current government.
Notably, Naxal leader Jairam alias Chalpati, with a Rs 1 crore bounty, has been killed. He was a central committee member of the Naxalites. The encounter has resulted in the recovery of more than 14 Naxalites’ bodies, including senior Maoist cadres, with weapons like SLR rifles seized.
The encounter involved a joint operation on the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, with participation from the Gariaband Operation Group E30, Cobra 207, CRPF Battalions 65 and 211, and SOG Nuapada. Ten teams, including three from Odisha, two from Chhattisgarh Police, and five CRPF teams, were involved. Senior officers have reached Mainpur, and the area is now under heavy security deployment. Additionally, three IEDs have been recovered.
