Massive Anti-Maoist Operation in Chhattisgarh: 31 Maoists Neutralized, Two Security Personnel Martyred
Security Forces Achieve Major Success in Bastar’s Bijapur District
Bijapur, Chhattisgarh | February 9, 2025 – In the most significant anti-Maoist operation of the year so far, security forces eliminated at least 31 Maoists in an intense gun battle in the dense forests of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday. The operation, which lasted nearly eight hours, also resulted in the martyrdom of two security personnel, with two others sustaining injuries, officials confirmed.
The encounter took place in the rugged terrain of Indravati National Park, a Maoist stronghold, after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of a large number of armed cadres, including high-ranking Maoist leaders. A joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Bastar Fighters launched the mission, leading to a prolonged and fierce exchange of fire.
Intense Gun Battle in Maoist Stronghold
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) P. Sundarraj stated that the encounter began at approximately 8:00 a.m. and continued intermittently until 4:00 p.m. “During the search operation, security forces engaged Maoist cadres in a fierce gun battle. So far, we have recovered the bodies of 31 uniformed Maoists, including 20 men and 11 women. A large cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, .303 rifles, grenade launchers, and other explosives, has also been seized,” he said.
The bodies of the two martyred personnel—Head Constable Naresh Dhruv of the DRG and Constable Vasit Raote of the STF—were transported to the district headquarters with full honors. Officials confirmed that the injured soldiers were evacuated from the encounter site and are receiving medical treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Escalating Offensive Against Left-Wing Extremism
The operation is part of a larger offensive against Maoist insurgents, as the central government intensifies efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism by 2026. So far in 2025, security forces have neutralized at least 81 Maoists, following a record 239 Maoist casualties in Chhattisgarh in 2024.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma praised the security forces for their determination and sacrifice. “Nearly 650 personnel participated in this mission, which is part of our aggressive strategy to dismantle Maoist operations in their last remaining strongholds. Our brave soldiers are ensuring that Bastar moves from ‘Gun Tantra to Ganatantra’ (from gun rule to democracy). We are committed to bringing peace, security, and development to the region,” he said.
The Bijapur operation follows a similar encounter in late January when security forces eliminated eight Maoists in the region. Bijapur has long been a hotbed of Maoist activity, with the district witnessing major insurgent attacks, including an IED blast in early January that claimed the lives of eight security personnel and a civilian driver.
Political and Strategic Implications
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. In a statement on X, he lauded the security forces’ success, calling it a decisive step toward making India free of Maoist violence. “Today, our brave soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against anti-human Naxalism. The nation will forever be indebted to them. I express my deepest condolences to their families and assure the country that we will completely eliminate Naxalism by 2026,” he posted.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also commended the forces for their unwavering commitment, highlighting that in the past 13 months, security forces have eliminated 282 Maoists, arrested over 1,000, and secured the surrender of nearly 925 insurgents.
A Defining Moment in the Fight Against Insurgency
The Bijapur encounter marks a significant breakthrough in India’s ongoing fight against Maoist extremism. Security experts see it as a turning point, demonstrating that the state’s intensified counterinsurgency efforts are yielding tangible results. As forces continue to push deeper into Maoist-controlled territories, the battle for peace and stability in central India is reaching a decisive phase.
With the government’s firm deadline to eradicate Naxalism, the coming months are likely to witness increased counteroffensives, further weakening insurgent strongholds. The bravery and sacrifice of India’s security personnel stand as a testament to the nation’s resolve to eliminate left-wing extremism and restore peace in affected regions.
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