Several Maoists reportedly killed in encounter on Dantewada–Narayanpur border; gunfight underway in Abujhmad forests

Raipur
An encounter was underway between security forces and Maoists in the dense forests of Abujhmad, located on the border of Dantewada and Narayanpur districts of Chhattisgarh. Reports indicate that 5 to 6 Maoists have been killed in the exchange of fire.

According to information, joint teams of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from Dantewada and Narayanpur had launched a search operation when they came under fire from Maoists, leading to the gunfight. Following the encounter, security personnel have intensified the search operation in the entire area, according to police.

Just a week ago, four Maoists were killed in an encounter along the Chhattisgarh–Maharashtra border. A large cache of weapons was recovered from the spot, and the bodies were later retrieved from the border area of Narayanpur district and Gadchiroli. The operation took place near Koparshi village in Gadchiroli, where the C-60 commando team had been deployed after receiving intelligence about Maoist presence. The Maoists opened fire on the forces, prompting retaliatory action in which they were gunned down.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visits to Raipur and Jagdalpur in August and December 2024, had reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminate Maoism. He warned Maoists to lay down arms, stating, “If you resort to violence, our forces will respond.” Shah also set a deadline, declaring that Maoism would be completely eradicated from the country by March 31, 2026. Since his announcement, anti-Maoist operations in Bastar have intensified significantly.