In a significant success against Maoist insurgents, 30 Maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh following an intense gun battle with security forces. Among the dead is reported to be Nambala Keshav Rao, a prominent Maoist leader who had a bounty of one crore rupees on his head.

The fierce encounter took place in Narayanpur district. According to police sources, a heavy exchange of fire ensued between both sides, after which the Maoists gradually began to retreat, overwhelmed by the resistance from the security forces.

The operation commenced early Wednesday morning, with security forces cordoning off the entire area. Subsequently, gunfire erupted between the two sides. The operation was led by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) units from Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada districts. Security forces had received prior intelligence about the Maoists’ hideout, enabling them to surround the area and initiate the operation.

Upon sighting the security personnel, the Maoists opened fire, to which the security forces retaliated. One after another, Maoists were killed. Unable to sustain the fight, they began to withdraw, but by then it was too late. Many Maoists lost their lives in the firing by the security forces.

Notably, two weeks ago, 15 Maoists were killed in an operation in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. On that occasion, the Maoists were hiding near the Telangana border, where security forces located and neutralized them. Special intelligence teams have been deployed by security forces to eliminate Maoists from these areas, and it is on the basis of their accurate information that this major success has been achieved. Operations to suppress Maoist activity are expected to continue.