Ongoing Anti-Naxal Operation Claims Five Lives, Including Police Constable

In a fierce encounter between Naxalites and security forces in Chhattisgarh, four Naxals and a police constable were killed, with their bodies recovered from the site. Security forces also seized a significant cache of weapons, including an AK-47, an SLR, and other automatic firearms.

The operation, which began on Saturday, led to the tragic loss of Dantewada District Reserve Guard (DRG) Head Constable Sannu Karam, who was killed in action. According to Inspector General (IG) of Bastar, P. Sundarraj, the encounter remains active, with teams from the DRG and Special Task Force (STF) across four districts—Narayanpur, Dantewada, Jagdalpur, and Kondagaon—participating in the operation.

The anti-Naxal offensive is being conducted in the dense South Abujmarh forest region near the Narayanpur-Dantewada district border, an area previously considered a Maoist stronghold. A senior police official confirmed that search operations are still underway to flush out remaining insurgents.

Recent Anti-Naxal Successes in Chhattisgarh

The Abujhmaad region, long regarded as a Naxalite bastion, has seen increased security operations in recent months, with significant successes in neutralizing Maoist cadres.

Earlier this week, three Naxals were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kandeshar village, Gariaband district. Weapons were also recovered from the site. In December last year, two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) CoBRA commandos sustained injuries during an exchange of fire while securing a forward base in Sukma district.

In another December operation, two Naxals were killed in the Nendra-Punnur forests under the Basaguda Police Station area. Security personnel recovered two 12-bore guns, Maoist uniforms, explosives, and Naxal literature during the operation.

Coordinated Efforts in Maoist Strongholds

The ongoing operation in Abujmarh highlights the concerted efforts of security forces to dismantle Maoist influence in Chhattisgarh. Authorities have intensified coordinated actions across multiple districts, aiming to regain control over areas historically dominated by Naxal activity.

As operations continue, the dedication and sacrifices of personnel like Head Constable Sannu Karam underscore the challenges and resolve required to combat insurgency in the region.