Deadly Clash in Chhattisgarh: Security Forces Neutralize Two Wanted Naxalites

Security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region gunned down two high-profile Naxalites with a combined bounty of Rs 13 lakh during a fierce encounter, police reported on Wednesday.

The skirmish erupted Tuesday evening in the dense forests of Kilam-Bargum, straddling the Kondagaon Narayanpur district border, as a joint team of security personnel conducted an anti-Naxalite mission, according to Sundarraj P, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range.

The operation involved members of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, both elite units of the Chhattisgarh state police based in Kondagaon, the official said.

Authorities recovered the bodies of two Naxalites, along with an AK-47 rifle, additional firearms, and explosives at the scene, Sundarraj noted, adding that a search operation remains ongoing in the area.

The deceased were identified as Haldar, a notorious Maoist commander from the east Bastar division, and Rame, an area committee member. Haldar carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh, while Rame had a Rs 5 lakh bounty, the police official confirmed.

This operation marks a significant milestone, with 140 Naxalites killed across Chhattisgarh in various encounters this year, including 123 in the Bastar division, which encompasses seven districts, such as Narayanpur and Kondagaon.