In a significant victory against Naxalism, security forces neutralized Chalapati, a senior Maoist leader with multiple aliases, including Ramachandra Reddy, Apparao, and Ramu, in an encounter near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The operation, carried out last night, also led to the elimination of at least 13 other Maoists in the Gariaband district, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation, describing it as a “mighty blow to Naxalism” and reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoist violence. “With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today," he stated in a post on social media platform X.
Who Was Chalapati?
Chalapati, 60, was a key figure in Maoist activities, particularly in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Originally from Madanapalle in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, he completed his education up to Class 10 before joining the Maoist movement. Despite his limited formal education, Chalapati rose to prominence, becoming a Central Committee Member (CCM), a top decision-making body within the Maoist hierarchy.
Known for his operational expertise, Chalapati commanded significant influence within the Maoist network. His strategic importance was reflected in the Rs 1 crore bounty placed on his head, underscoring his status as a high-value target.
Having evaded security forces for years, Chalapati had recently relocated to the Odisha border to avoid intensified encounter operations in Bastar. He was well-acquainted with the region’s dense forests and traveled with a dedicated security detail of 8-10 personal guards.
Legacy of Violence
Chalapati’s rise through the Maoist ranks was marked by a series of violent attacks, including the high-profile assassination of TDP MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and former TDP MLA Siveri Soma in September 2018. His operational planning and execution of attacks made him one of the most wanted Maoist commanders in the country.
The Operation
The joint operation by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Odisha’s Special Operations Group (SOG), and Chhattisgarh Police was launched based on intelligence inputs indicating the presence of Maoists in the Kularighat reserve forest, approximately 5 km from the Odisha border.
The encounter highlights the growing coordination among security forces across state lines and their focus on dismantling the leadership of the Maoist movement. With the elimination of Chalapati, a central figure in the organization, security forces have dealt a critical blow to Maoist activities in the region.
The success of this operation not only disrupts the Maoist chain of command but also reinforces the government’s resolve to achieve a Naxal-free India.
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