“Reports of 22 Naxals killed in Karregutta misleading”
Home Minister Sharma says figures are incorrect, no operation named ‘Sankalp’
Raipur
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma has refuted reports claiming that 22 Naxals were killed in the Karregutta hills. Earlier on Wednesday, reports emerged that 22 Naxals were gunned down in an operation on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border in the Karregutta region. In the afternoon, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had stated that bodies of Naxals had been recovered, putting the issue in the spotlight. However, by evening, Home Minister Sharma denied the report.
Sharma clarified that no operation named ‘Sankalp’ was being conducted and that the figures being circulated were incorrect.
Meanwhile, a fierce encounter took place in Telangana’s Mulugu district between the Greyhounds and Naxals. Unconfirmed reports suggest that five Greyhounds personnel were martyred due to heavy firing and an IED blast. Reports also indicate that eight Naxals may have been killed, including Central Committee member Chandrana and Special Zonal Committee member Bandi Prakash.
A major anti-Naxal operation has been ongoing in the Karregutta hills for the past 16 days.
Forces trek 15 days to reach high-altitude zone
The Karregutta hills rise to an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet, with harsh conditions including 44°C temperatures and low oxygen levels. Soldiers carrying around 30–35 kg of gear—including arms, magazines, 5–6 litres of water, and rations—trekked for 15 days on foot to reach these heights.
The upper regions of Karregutta, Kottapalli, Pujari Kanker, Dharmawaram, and Nambi are considered impregnable Naxal strongholds. The area reportedly hosts hundreds of Naxals from the Chhattisgarh and Telangana state committees, and the Naxal network operates from here. Although security forces have managed to penetrate the area, the terrain remains vast and difficult.
The encounter took place at high altitude in the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Drones are being used for surveillance across different parts of the area.
Four female Naxals killed so far
Two days ago, one female Naxal was killed in an encounter in the Karregutta hills. Her body and weapon were recovered from the site. Since the operation began on April 22, four female Naxals have been killed, and all bodies have been recovered. Among them, three carried a reward of ₹8 lakh each.
CRPF Assistant Commandant injured in IED blast
During the encounter on Monday, CRPF Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade was seriously injured in an IED blast. The explosion was so intense that he lost his leg. He has been referred to AIIMS Delhi for treatment. Minister Ramvichar Netam also shared this information via social media.
On Tuesday, Bastar IG Sundarraj P reported that the anti-Naxal operation is ongoing. So far, the bodies of four Naxals have been recovered in separate encounters, along with a .303 rifle and other explosive materials. Several senior Naxal cadres are believed to have been injured, and casualties may be higher. The IG stated that more details will be shared once the operation concludes.
