A gunfight that took place in the dense forest of Bastar, Chattisgarh on Sunday has claimed the lives of as many as 31 Maoists insurgents and two security personnel. The gunfight erupted in Bijapur’s Indravati National Park, a known Maoist stronghold, as over 650 security personnel launched a coordinated strike. Officials think the death count associated with Maoism may increase since the investigation is not yet finished.
Second-Deadliest Maoist Encounter in Recent Years
This is the second biggest Maoist death in a single security operation there is, after the October 3, 2024 encounter in Narayanpur’s Thulthuli, where 38 Maoists succumbed. Since 2024, more than 280 Maoists have been eliminated in Bastar, with 81 insurgents killed in just six weeks of 2025.
Several major anti-Maoist operations have taken place this year:
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- January 6: A Maoist IED attack in Bijapur killed eight constables and a driver.
- January 21: 16 Naxal fighters were neutralized in Gariaband.
- February 2: Eight Maoists were killed in Gangaloor.
- January 12: Security forces killed three insurgents in Indravati National Park.
Massive Firefight in Indravati National Park
Intelligence reports indicated a large gathering of Maoists and senior commanders in the Indravati jungles, leading to the massive security operation. The clash started on Sunday early, with troops mounting assaults from all sides with the aim of cutting them off.
Bastar Deputy Inspector General of Police Kamlochan Kashyap confirmed that 31 bodies of Maoist guerrillas were recovered by late afternoon. Here, two security personnel died and two others were injured.
Security forces recovered a huge hoard of Maoist weapons, including:.
- AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS, and .303 rifles
- Barrel grenade launchers (BGLs)
- Explosives and ammunition
Reinforcements have been dispatched to the scene of the encounter, which is 150km from the district headquarters and 420km from Raipur. The operation is under strict surveillance at the time of writing as well as search operation is on to cover the region.
Amit Shah Praises Security Forces, Pledges End to Naxalism
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the security forces for their bravery, stating:
“The nation will always be indebted to these heroes… I once again reaffirm that by March 31, 2026, we will eradicate Naxalism from the roots of this country so that no citizen loses their life due to it.”
Chhattisgarh CM: ‘Transitioning from Gun-Tantra to Gantantra’
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that the state is moving away from “gun-tantra” (rule of the gun) to “gantantra” (democracy).
He praised the achievement of the security elements as it relates to the dismantling of the Maoist strongholds and he praised the valor of deceased combatants.
“Our military personnel have infiltrated the Naxal enclaves and are killing them,”. Our troops have their due success, and I commend their courage,” he continued.
Maoist Stronghold Under Pressure
The Indravati National Park shares a boundary with Abujhmarh, one of the major Maoist infrastructure that spans over the area of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The landscape has for so long been a sanctuary for insurgents, allowing them to proliferate, obtain and share knowledge and skills, and migrate between states.
Nevertheless, as operations for security have grown and counterinsurgency campaigns have become heightened, the Maoist control in Bastar seems to have begun to crumble. The recent high-casualty action is an indication for a decisive effort to stop Naxalism from the residual maoist belts of Chhattisgarh.
While the security forces are still at work in Bastar, the governance is optimistic that the dream of obliteration of Naxalism by the year 2026 is attainable.
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