Indian security forces killed 31 Maoist rebels in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district during an anti-Maoist operation in Indravati National Park. Two security personnel were also killed, while two others were injured and evacuated for treatment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the operation on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a major step toward eradicating Maoist insurgency by March 31, 2026. He expressed condolences for the fallen soldiers and reiterated the government’s commitment to making India “Naxal-free.”
The joint security team, comprising the District Reserve Group, Special Task Force, and Bastar Fighter Force, recovered a large cache of firearms, including AK-47 rifles, SLRs, INSAS rifles, grenade launchers, and explosives. Search operations are ongoing.
This marks the second major encounter in Chhattisgarh in under a month, following the killing of 16 rebels in Gariaband on January 23 and eight in Bijapur on January 31. In 2024 alone, 49 Maoists have been killed in the state, with 33 in the Bastar region. In 2023, security forces neutralized 219 Maoists.
The Maoist insurgency, active since 1967, claims to fight for Indigenous communities facing economic neglect. The rebels have carried out attacks on security forces and government infrastructure while amassing weapons. India has intensified operations in the “Red Corridor,” deploying thousands of troops to counter the armed movement.